ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAre the blogs always helpful?????
Please Do Not Feed The Troll

True, sister J. Move along people.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-04-19 21:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAre the blogs always helpful?????
None of the information on this blog should be taken as more than someones personal experience. Legal advice should be gotten from a lawyer who is familiar with your personal situation.

You are also more likely to hear about peoples problems more than peoples successes, giving the impression that more people have trouble in this process than most people really do. Thats just human nature.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-04-19 15:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 VISA IN HAND ... YIPPEEEEE SKIPPYYYYY
Congrats !!
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-04-18 04:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTwo days after Interview.. I GOT MY VISA TODAY!
Wow, the process went smooth for you. Congrats, Boo. :)
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-04-25 04:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshelp please with NOA1 number
As far as i know, case numbers all start with 3 letters. WAC is one sequence, I dont know what determines which letters they use, maybe the case type.

But anyway its printed in the endorsement of the check, 4th line down.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-03-05 10:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshelp please with NOA1 number
My fiance logged on into online banking and saw the check image with poor quality one, and there were serial numbers on it. Ours starts with WAC one. We could only read that so he made an order to his bank to send him the original check. But NoA1 hard-copy came sooner, from it finally we could find out our number. Damn annoying if for NoA1 you have to wait for 2 months. Hmm, maybe should just wait for others here to post their better opinion. Hang in there .

Edited by Dan + Gemvita, 05 March 2007 - 10:28 AM.

Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-03-05 10:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshelp please with NOA1 number
Do you see anything with either EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC one ?
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-03-05 10:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage to Non-US citizen in her country: what's the process?
Your definetly going to be in this for awhile. If you want to get married outside the US, you have to get married first, and then you can file for a visa. You have your choice of K-3 or CR-1/IR-1.

K-1 visa is only an option if you get married in the states. You can begin now if you met each other in person in the last two years.

But reguardless of which visa you choose, it will take on average 6-9 months to get it.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-05-03 00:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi got a thumb's up signed from CO
True, sometimes a sweet smile works. I need to work on that before my interview :P.
Congrats !!! :)
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-04-23 10:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresB1 Visa for marriage

Thank you guys!!! But after we get married I still need to go back to my country since I have to settle things, after that return back to the US again.

Is there a possibility that I could come back to the US, while the filing process for K3 is on going?
Do I still need to apply for another visa like B2 (since I only have B1)?
or Do I have to wait for my K3 visa to be approved in order for me to come back to the US?
How long would it take to for K3 visa to be approved (minimum and maximum)?

Thank you so much!!!!!


Yes

Yes, you will need a visa. You can travel to the US on another type of visa while the K3 is processing. But you will have to prove ties to your hone country upon entry to the US. If you cannot, you may be refused entry.

Processing time varies depending which service center and consulate you have your interview at. Most likely 6-9 months. If you end up in Admistrative Review, its possible that it could be alot longer.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-05-09 23:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresB1 Visa for marriage
You can get married in the US on any visa. Staying and adjusting status is another issue.

I am assuming you are already here on a B2 visa, did you get engaged after your last entry into the US? If so you can get married, and then file for AOS, without having to go back home. However, after you file, you wont be able to leave the country and return until you are either granted AP, or get your green card.

If you were engaged before your last entry, you have to return home and file for a spousal visa. K-3 or IR-1/CR-1. Adjusting status without returning home would be considered fraud and you may run into problems trying to get a green card.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-05-09 22:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Granted!! Took 9 months.
Congrats ! :) Glad everything went smooth for you
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-05-06 06:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresformer asylm seeker

I am new to the whole immigration process. I was born in Nepal and therefore am a naturalized american citizen. I came to this country when I was 12. My family received their permanant residency based on political asluym. The parents have not been back to Nepal but I have couple of times, and thats how i met my wife. She is from nepal and we got married in March. I am afraid will my former political asluym status effect my I-130 and K-3 petitions. I was only a kid when my parents sought refugee in this country but I just want to know will that delay or cause problems for my wife's petition. hope someone can help me.


It shouldnt be an issue, you are a naturalized citizen for purposes of the petition.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-06-17 23:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-1 or K3
QUOTE (fwaguy @ Sep 21 2007, 03:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you are filing your I-130 directly with the consulate then it is prolly true that the IR1 is quicker because you avoid USCIS processing completely. If you are not filing direct with the consulate then the answer may be very diferent. The K-3 petition simply cannot avoid USCIS processing.

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Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-09-21 15:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHELP! Wife is Pregnant in Japan! Will this hurt CR1 Visa???
QUOTE (brnidokiegurl @ Jan 4 2008, 12:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i will be doing the same filing this month, so it is ok for marriage and birth cert to be a copy of original NOT original i thought i had read where it needed to be original and of course i also just have the one Original and one Original translation, birth certificates wouldnt be a prob but the marriage certificate might be


For anything you send to the USCIS, copies are fine unless otherwise requested. Originals are not likely to be returned.

For the interview, you will need to show originals or certified copies for some documents, but you will generally get them back after the interview.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2008-01-04 14:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHELP! Wife is Pregnant in Japan! Will this hurt CR1 Visa???
QUOTE (Charles & Ai @ Jan 4 2008, 12:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I need some help - I just got married here in Japan December 15. I just found out my wife is pregnant today January 4th Local time. We became very excited until I thought of the Visa Process.

Background:

I am the USC (Husband)
She is Japanese Citizen.

I just filed for the legal marriage and are going to pick up the papers as we speak so we are LEGALLY Married.

I am going to apply for the CR1 Visa after returning to the states but here is the question. That usually takes 9-12 months and if I am correct, a baby takes about 9 months! How will this effect the paperwork? How will this effect the handling of the VISA? Should I do something different??? Do I have to apply for a visa for my kid? Sorry if I sound in a panic but to be honest, I am!

Thank-you in advance!


Nothing will change for the visa for your wife. Except if she is pregnant when she is scheduled to have her medical. But its nothing to worry about really.

I'm assuming the child is yours. Once he/she is born, you can file for a consular report for a birth abroad and then get a US passport for the child.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2008-01-04 01:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmust know- how long from fee payment to NVC to intervies in Montreal
QUOTE (danandamy @ Jan 27 2008, 04:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everyone-
I am a natural born US citizen, and my wife is a Canadian.
She was flagged in Toronto in July, for trying to re enter the US as my spouse but not holding a green card. We had traveled several times before this, with no incident, and she has passport stamps to prove it. We were never stopped, and never told by any border guards that we were in any kind of violation. We had intentions of filing for AOS in NY, but for technical reasons had to wait until I had filed my latest tax returns. Anyway, she seems to be stuck now until we get her green card and she can re enter the US as a permanent resident. It has been 6 months now since we were separated. We had sent in the fee payments to the NVC for the visa processing, and have just been informed that because of a recent hike in fees, our money was sent back. This will put us a month back. Now I am desperate to find out how long we will have to wait before she is able to return to the US. Does anyone know about how long it will take to get her application approved, and how long we will have to wait for an interview in Montreal? We are a married couple, we are in love with one another, and we have been apart for 6 unbearable months already. I do not believe I will be able to wait 6 more, and I would prefer leaving the US to be with her in Canada to waiting another 6 months or more for an interview. Please help if you can!


To get an idea of timelines, go here: http://www.visajourn...ist...7,28&cfl=

The wait itself for an interview in Montreal is in the 4-6 month range.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2008-01-27 18:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBringing spouse from Canada to US...confused about procedures
QUOTE (l3tranger @ Jan 26 2008, 03:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I`m currently in Canada and my husband the USC is in US right now. We filed for I-130 in mid- November ( it was sent to Cali service center) and we saw our check being cashed yesterday. So does that mean we should be expecting our I-130 receipt from the government soon? Our next step should be the I-129F for K3 right? How long would that take if the foreign spouse lives in Montreal, Canada? The 485 can only be submitted once we get I-130 approved right? since the foreign spouse isn't residing in US?


I-129F is to be submitted once you have your receipt notice for K-3. However, if you want to get a CR-1/IR-1 visa, you can just let your I-130 go through without sending in a I-129F.

With K-3, I-485 is submitted once you get into the US. Its not needed for CR-1/IR-1, which makes that visa type much cheaper, along with the benefit of having a green card right away.

Wait time is something like 4-6 months for an interview in Montreal.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2008-01-26 16:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhich marriage date to use on I-130
QUOTE (crazysamurai @ Feb 28 2008, 11:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am naturalized US citizen filing I-130 for my spouse and I am getting confused about what to put as Date of Marriage on form I-130. We had our traditional (i.e. religious) marriage ceremony on one day and after couple weeks we went to get it registered so we can have Marriage Certificate. Now I am confused as to what should I put as Date of Marriage. My marriage certificates lists both dates on it. On my marriage certificate, my traditional marriage date is indicated along with the date of the registration.

Here is what's written on Marriage Certificate.

This is to certify that <my name> and <my spouse's name> have furnished the particulars in Memorandum declaring that their Marriage has been solemnized on <date of traditional marriage> at <location of traditional marriage> and that same has been registered on <date for registration> at serial no. 29 of volume 1 of Register of Marriages maintained under <whatever> Marriage Act.

So, <date of traditional marriage> is different than <date for registration> So based on this, my questions is what date should I use on I-130 as the marriage date.

CS


I would probably go with the date of the tradtional marriage. But since both dates are on the certificate, either would probably work.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2008-02-29 02:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresaccompany wife to interview? and more Q's
Lawyer will not speed anything up. If your case is straightforward, you probably wont need one. Even with a lawyer, you will still need to get all the information needed for the forms and filing anyway. If it affords you peace of mind, it might be worth it for you.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2010-03-12 15:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage agreement in addition to marriage license

Is a marriage agreement ever needed in the CR-1 process or just the license? The marriage agreement has the whole marriage spelled out legally and some signatures of the witnesses, us, and the lawyers. I'm hoping just the license is enough, but maybe someone can chime in with some experience.



The document you would use is whatever is considered official proof of marriage. In the US, its a marriage certificate, which is often the licence signed by the bride, groom, officiant, and witnesses. The real copy is often kept on file at the county office, and official copies are provided as proof of marriage.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2010-06-21 11:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1, but not living together? Challenges?
Depending on what school and what degree your fiancée is going for, you may not find much benefit to finishing school in Venezuela. Instead it might be a better idea to transfer the classes you can, and finish education within the US.

Its hard to make a judgement on that without doing some research.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2010-08-10 12:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long to get the green card after CR-1?

My Wife received her CR-1 visa in May. She was called in to the local USCIS office in June to verify biometrics.. Does anyone have any idea how long it typically takes to get the actual green card in the mail? It going on 3 months.

Thanks!


Usually within 1 month after entry. Make in info-pass appointment if you haven't received it after a month.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2010-08-13 01:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo I need to adjust status if I applied for CR-1 and has been married for more than 2 years?

I have been married for more than 2 years now. My CR-1 visa was issued just this August 2010. I would like to ask what will be the next step once I go to the US? When will I receive my green card? And should I still file for adjustment of status or lift I should just file for lifting of my conditional status to permanent resident? Please help. Thank you



If you have been married for more than two year at the time of entry, you should receive a 10 year green card.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2010-08-16 07:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvisiting my husband

Thanks for quick response. I live in the UK, and my new husband is a US citizen and lives there. We recently got married over in the US, but I had to return to the UK straight after our honeymoon inorder to sell my house. My husband posted the I-130 form yesterday 08/16/10. I've herd conflicting things about what is legal as regards going to visit him during the visa progress. I first herd that I could go for 30 days then I had to leave the country, but could go back for another 30 days, then I was told if we pay $300 I can stay with him for 6 months. Do you know what is legal? Thankyou


You can visit under the Visa Waiver Program while your CR-1/IR-1 visa is in process. However, you need to show intent to return such as hold property, job, or family. If you intent to visit, it might not be a good idea to sell your house until after you have the CR-1/IR-1 visa.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2010-08-18 01:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCanadian husband... where do I begin?!

I still have one unanswered question...
My hubby is in Canada right now. Should he be in the US when he starts this whole process?


Doesn't matter where he is.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2010-08-27 13:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCanadian husband... where do I begin?!

Hello, my husband is Canadian and I am American (obviously)We got married here in the state of Minnesota where I am born and raised. We have a legal marriage and we have been married now for over 3 years. He is living in Canada, but wants to become an American citizen (dual citizenship?) I have a few questions...

1. Does it matter if he applies here or in Canada?

2. What forms do we need to complete?

3. how much does it cost?

4. How long will it take?

Thanks!


1. To get started, you would actually petition for him to get an IR-1 Visa. Read the guides link above for more information.
2. Read the guides
3. You can look at the current fees, but by the time he will be eligible for citizenship, the fees may change. Based on the current fees around $2000.
3. It will take 6 months or so to get the visa. After he moves to the US, he will be eligible for citizenship after 3 years. You are probably looking at around 4 years. There are some things to be aware of that can reset the 3 year clock, such as spending significant time outside of the US.

Edited by Dan + Gemvita, 26 August 2010 - 04:07 PM.

Dan JMaleIndonesia2010-08-26 16:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuick question
You can download the forms for free generally, but you probably want to get it directly from the USCIS site. The forms do expire, the USCIS site will have the most current edition. Sending an old form in may delay your processing. Go here: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-02-12 20:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Relationship proof
If your lacking on photos, you may need to use everything else you have. Receipts from being in the country, passport stamps, boarding passes, etc.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-02-13 20:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F questions
Don't quote me on this since I'm not in the same situation. But from what I gathered in going over the forms and requirements for a K-1 visa. I do remember a 2 year foreign residency requirement for those who have been to the US on a student visa. If that is the case, you may have a timing issue and will have to meet each other again before you can file. I'm not sure what the specifics are on the student visa requirement, maybe someone else can give more information.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-02-13 17:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs there a way to save the info on the G-325A form?
It saves fine with Adobe Acrobat but the Reader application may be limited in that respect. If you cant fill it all out at once and then print it, it might be best to print it out and fill out the form by hand.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-02-14 15:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG325A employment info for K1 and other thinks!
1. Just the last 5 years

2. Nope you cant choose where the package gets sent. It goes to the service center that covers your state.

3. Are you a citizen? or are you here on a visa? K1 process is only for those people who are citizens. If you here on an immigration visa, I think all you can do is get married and try to petition to bring a family member over. Since your not a citizen, a waiting list is involved. If your here on a work visa, I don't know what you can do.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-02-14 15:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129 F Question
You don't, but it looks like some people add it in anyway. You will need it for the interview at the consulate later. The only proof that the petition requests is that you have met each other in person in the last 2 years.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-02-14 01:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp for this newby
Vermont is fast compared to the other service centers. Turnaround is usually less than a month. Congrats.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-02-14 15:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance has K-1 Interview in Peru tomorrow!
Don't forget to pray :) I wish both of you the best
xoxo
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-02-14 17:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetters exchanegd snail mail - what to send?
I belive just copies of the envelopes will be fine, showing postmarks, and addresses.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-02-15 12:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmiddle name is spelt differently
Use the official name on the form, but add the other spellings to the nicknames and other names used section of the form. If you dont know which one is considered the official name, I think I would use the name in the passport.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-02-15 13:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit needed?
There are not really any foreign documents used in the initial petition. The requirement is for documents used later in the process such as police records and birth certificates which may be in the original language of the country of origin. All the forms 1-129F and G-325A, etc need to be in English. The letter of intent to marry should also be in English.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-02-15 12:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLittle question :Z
You have to switch and start the process all over again.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-02-15 15:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAge?
As long as your both over 18 years old, you are perfectly fine. There are no places that I know of that require parents permission after you are 18 years old.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-02-15 11:08:00