ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresContent of letter in lieu of tax returns/transcript (split topic)

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but in the spaces where you write your income for the past three years, write something in there like "did not file". This is because it is asking you to enter an amount as it appears on your tax returns (which you didn't file). My husband will be doing this for the year 2011 because he was unemployed at that time.


Edited by Ketsuban, 14 November 2013 - 03:06 PM.

KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-14 15:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfiled i-130 - do I have to wait?

I agree that the USCIS website is incredibly unhelpful;

I wonder if they want to hand out RFEs..

 

USCIS has instructions hosted on their website detailing exactly what needs to be included. http://www.uscis.gov.../i-130instr.pdf


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-21 12:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfiled i-130 - do I have to wait?

I just figured, you're filing incredibly important legal documents without the aid of a lawyer, surely you would look up all the resources you could before sending everything off. It's not hard to find out what to do beforehand.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-21 12:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfiled i-130 - do I have to wait?

I'm sorry if I come across as harsh... but why did you not even look into this before sending everything off? It's so easy to find out what to do and now you've probably wasted $420 and a lot of months before they even get back to you to deny it.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-20 19:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTraveling to the US with the entire family and pending I-130

I remember watching a video of a girl who came over on a B2 to visit her brother. She'd brought all her things with her, but the clincher was that she'd also brought her cat with her. All that CBP kept saying was "she's brought her cat so she's obviously staying".

 

Every case is different though. People are denied entry for even mentioning girlfriends/boyfriends, but tons of others including myself get in. It depends on who you see at the border.


Edited by Ketsuban, 22 November 2013 - 09:23 PM.

KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-22 21:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried 2 on K-1 Visas, Can I Marry and bring another on IR/CR Spouse Visa

I think any consulate officer you were interviewed by would think you are running some kind of racket allowing women a shortcut into the US via marriage to you. It is otherwise very difficult to obtain long-term residence within the US unless it is an inter-company transfer or if you have a super amazing degree that enables you to do work no American could do.

 

Be sure to include a lot of good, solid evidence that you deeply love this woman and have an ongoing relationship with her. It's all you can do.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-25 12:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 London Visa Interview Earlier Reschedule?

 

Here's the list of stuff you need to take (you don't need to take a copy of the petition you submitted): http://london.usemba..._documents.html

 

London doesn't generally need to see more relationship evidence.  People take stuff anyway, but it ends up mostly just being a security blanket.  You can read more interview reviews here: http://www.visajourn...=IR-1/CR-1 Visa

 

That is really helpful, thank you :)
 


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-27 15:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 London Visa Interview Earlier Reschedule?

 

Hi!

 

I took literally every single piece of paper I could think of, honestly the more you have the safer you will be, just take EBERYTHING!

 

Hi Jenny,

 

Can you clarify what you mean by "everything"? Is it literal? I'll need to reconstruct the I-130 petition if that is the case, because my printer broke back when I made the original one and I just wanted to get it sent off!

 

I was just planning on taking updated proof of a bonafide marriage, but I'm guessing that is woefully inadequate :D


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-26 20:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI need help with I-130

Well, thank you. I already sent the form I-130, now I just have to wait, even though I dont know what NOA1 or notice of action really means, do you?

Did you send the I-130 by itself or did you send it with all the other required documentation? Just double-checking since you just mention the I-130.

 

NOA1 is just the receipt you get from USCIS when they receive the petition.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-28 12:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 visa

Uhmm actually im not sure Blue lol i just assumed "Phils" means philippines..? i checked their timeline again, and the consulate is Armenia..so now im not so sure lol

 

That's the default that visa journey adds to the timeline. My consulate was Armenia for a while before I noticed it and changed it to London :P


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-27 15:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Application

You need to lightly write on the back of the photos the name of the person appearing in it and their date of birth.

 

The passport photos I mean!


Edited by Ketsuban, 05 December 2013 - 03:31 PM.

KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-05 15:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProof of relationship

Your proof looks great!

 

Another addition if you have it: Receipts from Amazon/Ebay/etc showing gifts you have bought each other while apart.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-05 15:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to send

If you email each other frequently, you could include screenshots of your inbox showing the messages going to and from the account. Maybe even the contents of a couple of them.

 

Also, if you buy gifts for each other on Amazon or any other online companies, copies of the receipts from months/years gone by go down well too!


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-06 07:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI864 EZ

And if you're paid hourly, you would average out your bi-weekly paychecks for the past few months and multiply the result by 26. Or by 12 if you get paid monthly :)


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-06 09:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresproof of income??

ok

 

It is a tough thing to realise, but the US government do this to prevent foreign spouses costing US taxpayers a ton of money in welfare payments.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-08 17:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLast look at my I-130 packet

I'm probably being a Nervous Nelly, but I would send the photocopy of the beneficiary's birth certificate... just in case. It won't hurt to.

 

Also don't forget to write lightly on the back of each passport-sized photo the name and date of birth of the person appearing in each.

 

Make sure all signatures on the I-130 and both G-325As are originals, not photocopied.

 

And finally, your evidence of a bonafide marriage is more than enough :)


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-08 17:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPOE (Port Of Entry) from Turkey into USA

I am hoping someone can tell me who determines the port of entry. Do my husband and I do that after his interview is approved? I think we have one last fee to pay after his interview for entry into tbe USA thats $165? I am asking because I know he will have the Manilla Packet he is NOT to open and I wanted to know if it would need to be an international airport? I live in Pennsylvania and Harrisburg International Airport would be closest to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. His interview is December 18th, 2013 at 0730. Im hoping he is approved and will receive his visa before the embassy closes for a bit due to the holidays.

 

No matter what ticket you book, it will definitely go via an international airport. It can be any that the airline you pick has available. You aren't restricted to any single POE :)
 


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-10 20:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTransfer to local USCIS office

Yes, it's a good sign. It means your case file has been moved from a backlogged office to another, less backlogged office.

 

The time between transfer and approval varies, but some people have been waiting a couple of weeks, others a couple of months or more.

 

At the moment, USCIS appear to be focusing on cases from the Philippines due to the natural disaster that occurred there recently.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-12 18:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresnever received i797 notice through mail

You really don't need it.  

 

Sometimes you do. I think I've read various threads about USCIS/NVC asking for a copy of the NOA1/2 for various purposes.

 

As an aside, I would be worried if mail from USCIS wasn't getting to me. What if they send out an RFE and it never arrives? OP should contact them and ensure their address is correct. I assume they received their receipt number via email/text. If not, then they DEFINITELY need their hardcopy NOA1.
 

Btw OP: when you call USCIS, ask to be transferred to Tier 2. Tier 1 (who answer the call) read a script, as you have said and can't actually help with your case.


Edited by Ketsuban, 18 December 2013 - 08:01 PM.

KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-18 19:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow much does it take?

Is that necessary to call USCIS every month to know the current status?

 

You can do that if you want to, but it's tons easier to just check online: https://egov.uscis.g...d/CaseStatus.do

 

Type in the receipt number from your NOA1 and it will most likely show you that you're in the "Initial Review" stage. This won't change until an adjudicator finally gets their hands on your case file and either approves/denies the petition, or sends out a Request For Evidence (which basically means you forgot something in the file or they want to see more proof you are a real couple).

 

As said above, it will most likely sit at Initial Review for about 5 - 7 months. If not longer. Or maybe shorter :) you never know.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-10 20:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow much does it take?

Thanks for your consideration, but why they are taking so long for AP than other countries...?

 

I believe it is due to national security checks.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-26 12:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresage limit for spouse?

don't be judgmental my friend. Me and her have strong values and beliefs and are making a commitment to share our lives to together. I don't understand why its accepted for a 16 year old to have a boyfriend and be used sexually and given no rights of a spouse, then most break up and she suffers thru heartbreak. The world is ok with a guy that doesn't want to commit, the jerks that abuse, BUT low and behold you choose to commit to the same girl, give her rights of a wife over her husband, give her stability, and share ever lasting trust IT BECOMES UNACCEPTABLE OR FROUND UPON. think which you would rather for your teenage daughters on day.   

 

I'm with you. I've been with my husband since I was 15 and now I'm 4 days shy of 24. That being said, please to be wary of what the immigration authorities will think. I'm having a hard time trying to find any solid instructions or laws regarding minimum age, but I always thought 18 would be the minimum as consummating a marriage with a 16 year old is illegal at a federal level in the US.
 


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-21 10:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBaby on the way, will this cost process to stop

cray5ol.gifHi VJ family I really need ur response and help, I visited my wife several weeks ago in Jamaica, spent a few weeks I found out today she is now pregnant, which will be my first child. AM a May filers our case was transfer to NSC on dec 4. I feel strongly it will soon b approved but am very worried now as a friend told me the pregnance will stop the process or reject it until the baby is born then I wound have to file over??????? how true is this plz I need ur help

 

Huh? No it won't. Your wife will be approved/denied regardless of the baby, based on the merits of the application you sent in.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-20 19:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp Pleasee. RFE Situation.

Yes, I would say that's your problem. They might have just forgotten to put the letter in the envelope.

 

To be sure, call up USCIS and ask to speak to Tier 2.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-24 09:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAM married to a USA citzen but we are in different country need help what to file or do please

Follow the guide for the CR-1/IR-1 process that has been linked for you.

 

You don't send in I-485 because that is for if you are in the US and are adjusting status.

 

You can file for K-3 if you want to but these usually aren't granted because the CR-1/IR-1 is processed at the same time and is the superior visa.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-26 20:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRFE PROOF OF LEGAL TERMINATION OF MARRIAGE

Maybe Tier 2 support at USCIS can assist you with this. They will tell you what you need to do.

 

Contact details here: http://www.uscis.gov...t-us/contact-us

 

Are you absolutely sure you filled out her details correctly?

 

Sometimes when you write "None" in a field, a less than stellar adjudicator will think you literally mean the previous spouse's name was None. It's a rare occurrence, but it has happened before. A lot of people write "None" in the middle name field and end up being referred to as John None Smith. Scary, but true. It's a shot in the dark, but that's all I can think of if you definitely did the forms right.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-26 20:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Visa Denied!!!

I recommend making many more visits out to see her and taking photos together while on those visits. I would wager that the visa was denied because you met only once and got married right away.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-29 17:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPriority Date

You won't get an A# until later on. I think they assign it when or just before they approve your petition. In any case, you don't need to worry about it just yet.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-29 10:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion regarding supporting doc for I130 petition?

You don't need a certified or otherwise professional translator.

 

If you are competent at translating, you may do so yourself along with the standard letter stating you are competent to translate.

 

From USCIS's instructions:

 

"Please submit certified translations for all foreign language documents. The translator must certify that s/he is competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.

The certification format should include the certifier's name, signature, address, and date of certification. A suggested format is:

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________
Date                                             Typed Name
                                                     Address"









 

http://www.uscis.gov...cations-mailing


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-29 19:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFalse RFE?

If you're unemployed now, you need to find a joint sponsor and have them submit their I-864, tax returns, pay stubs, proof of citizenship (photocopy of birth certificate or passport) and employment letter. They can mail them directly to your husband and he can take it all to the interview.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-29 19:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG-325a question

I'm the beneficiary. I just repeated my current address in that box.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-02 16:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarrying in LA and Filing for I-130

Don't you mean the alien relative will go back to Canada and the petitioner will stay??


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-02 15:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Help...now what? I485 and medical?

I submitted both I130 and I485 at the same time. The fees will be on the form. You must submit same in US.

You can wait for medical.

 

OP is pursuing CR-1/IR-1, not adjustment of status.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-04 09:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuick Question #17 I-130

Yes, you enter your details in there as her spouse, even though you are the petitioner and have already entered your info in earlier sections of the form.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-04 23:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 questions

Do i need to submit copy of my naturalization certificate? I don't have the original one with me, i just have the copy of the original. I think I lost it somewhere. I'm sending in copy of all pages of my US passport along with it. 

 

You only need a photocopy of it, so that's fine. Keep the certified copy.

 

Can you transfer the $60k to your American bank account?
 


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-30 13:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI need help.

Thank you all for your input. Any further input is encouraged. Yes, I am a US citizen. I thought that because they accepted my application, they would not send an RFE for passport photo

 

At that stage, they're just checking you've submitted all the forms and the cheque. They don't actually review your file in any detail for a good few months.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-04 09:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI need help.

If her passport photo is the incorrect size, they will issue an RFE when they get to your case. This could be in around 5 months or more due to severe backlogs of I-130s at USCIS.

 

Sorry, I should have explained what an RFE is.

 

It stands for "request for evidence". They send you a letter asking you for additional documentation. You must respond with the documentation within a certain timeframe (of which I do not know how long) or they deny the petition.

 

So when/if you receive the RFE, that is when you will send the correct photo.


Edited by Ketsuban, 03 January 2014 - 04:29 PM.

KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-03 16:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhat does it mean

This is the same initial review that EVERYONE gets. It means the USCIS has your case and will adjudicate it whenever they get around to it. It does not mean, in any way, shape, or form that a person will be approved soon.

 

It is slightly different though. Most people waiting on Initial Review don't have an ARN assigned.


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-03 18:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow much income should I show?

i am showing a loss on personal tax return for last year. 

 

In which case you will need to use assets or a joint sponsor.
 


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-07 16:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPetitioner has not filed taxes

Here's the catch, if he doesn't list last 2 yrs taxes he will need a good explanation why or he just back filed. Good luck!.

 

A good explanation is just a statement to say he didn't earn enough/anything in order to need to file taxes for the relevant years. You don't need to go into the nitty gritty. You can probably find example statements via Google.
 


KetsubanFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-07 16:57:00