ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 form filed. Can we continue the process in California?

I recently sent in the I-130 form to Chicago as the embassy in Warsaw no longer accepts these applications. 

 

My wife ended her work contract in Spain before we wed. I freelance back home and I am not legally allowed to work in Europe. 

 

 I would like to know If we can continue the process of getting her green card back in the States. What would be our best option? She has had her US tourist visa since 2010. Can I apply for an AOS while over there since she is my wife not my fiance?

 

I need some advice. It was very difficult getting married here in Poland. The paperwork was tedious but well worth it. Having to deal with more after our marriage is really a pain. It seems to never end. Some advice would go a long way.Thank you for your time.

 

Hello there. I will start by saying: I'm so glad I didn't have to go through the marriage process in Poland - my wife's Polish.  We've met in Poland, and dated for a few years, then decided to move to the UK together, get married here and file I-130 through the Embassy.  This is a much quicker and cheaper process.  Obviously, you weren't able to go that route.  Anyway, since you filed your I-130 in the U.S., your petition should be approved soon. Then the process starts for your wife.  It will take quite a while before she's issued her IV, but be patient.  Since she has her tourist visa, she can always travel to see you.  When she gets some paperwork proving that she started her process of acquiring IV, when she travels to see you, I don't see why she shouldn't talked to the CB officer to make sure he gives her an ample amount of stay.  It shows that she's respecting the immigration laws of the United States, but while she awaits the immigrant visa, she's visiting her lawful husband.  There's nothing wrong with that.  Peace of advice, when she travels to see you, she should make sure that all the paperwork that might come from the Embassy, is received by someone she can trust and she should make sure she's in Poland for all her scheduled appointments (medical, etc.).


bluebird74MaleUnited Kingdom2014-07-30 08:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to tell to the CBP officer?

One last thought, when you travel, don't forget to fill out the I-94W online.  This must be done about 3 days before departure.


bluebird74MaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-24 18:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to tell to the CBP officer?

 

She may not have met him through a mutual friend, or even on an 'international tourism chat'......

 

TELL THE TRUTH, plain and simple.

 

And bring plenty of proof of ties to your home country (that you are willing to do this process the legal way)

 They met online (most likely on some dating site), but since they are not a couple, I would embellish the truth a little and go with the tourism chat/site.  People meet like this all the time and visit each other all over the world.  

 

Now, why would she want to bring proof of ties to her country? She's not applying for visa - she's simply taking a trip to the U.S. as a tourist. She has that right you know.  She's from Hungary, therefore she will be entering the U.S. under VWP.  It's that simple.   Please don't try and confuse her.


bluebird74MaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-24 17:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to tell to the CBP officer?

 

 

So the best would be to say that I came to see the country and I'm staying with a good friend of mine (if they ask me I'll say we met online), right?
 

 

Yes, that is correct.  If the CBP officer asks you how you know your friend, then I would suggest to say something like this: we've met on international tourism chat through a mutual friend.  That will show the officer your interest in American culture itself, and not just a person who might be your potential future husband ;)    


bluebird74MaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-24 16:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to tell to the CBP officer?

(...) there's nothing special about meeting face to face that would make it a prerequisite for adopting those titles. It's her relationship to judge, not yours.

 

Also, no, the officer won't be suspicious that they haven't met before. This concern is unfounded.

 

You have got to be kidding me. If you actually believe your words - I dare not to ask your age.  The only time for this not be the "prerequisite," is when you're about 5 yrs old.  Trust me, I've been in a situation where I've dated (term taken loosely) someone online, but this wasn't a relationship.  Labeling someone their bf/gf is associated with a committed relationship.  The author of this post, may have taken this seriously and she might not be talking to other prospects, but this doesn't change the fact that she cannot be certain of the other party's approach.  Virtual dating is never a 100% black on white - meaning, you cannot be certain of what type of person you're dealing with. Dealing with someone in person gives you tools to learn about his/her personality.  Enough said.  I'm not trying to judge her "relationship."  I have simply made an observation which may or may not be taken seriously by her and that's ok.  I wish her well of course.

 

You're wrong about the CBP officer.  She should not lie about her intent for coming to the U.S., but choosing her words, may be beneficial or detrimental to getting her entry stamp.


bluebird74MaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-24 14:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to tell to the CBP officer?

I don't mean any disrespect, but the one thing, everyone has failed to point out - possibly intentionally, is the fact the you call your friend boyfriend.  I've met my now wife online as well, but I don't see how anyone can label someone their bf or gf without meeting first. One should at least meet someone a few times before regarding one another as bf/gf.  Come, meet the guy, spend some face-face time with him, then decide on putting that bf label ;)  Also, be really careful on deciding to become his fiance and going through this long immigration process.  Just a friendly suggestion. 

 

As far as your coming to visit him goes, just be honest about it and do just as Avery Kats suggested. Although, I would simply tell the CBP officer, than I came to see the country and meet with one of my good friends.  Telling the officer you came to see your bf whom you've never met, may make him believe you might think of overstaying your allowed time (given by the CBP officer) and that you might go for the quick marriage and AOS.  They don't like that.


bluebird74MaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-24 13:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhy is medical examination so expensive in London??

Does anyone know why the exam is so costly?? 245 pounds thats almost $400?? Are other countries that expensive?

 

It isn't cheap, but you have to look at it from a different perspective.  Knightsbridge is a contracted to perform U.S., and Australian medicals by Embassies or Government of these countries - exclusively.  UK's medical cost isn't cheap, and London is not a city with low rent and/or lease either.  That 245GBP may sound like a lot of money to an individual, but it only amounts to week's pay - under minimum wage.  You're asking whether medical exam (warranted by U.S., or Australian government)  in other countries is expensive.  Expensive is a relative term really, and you must know the cost of living in countries of interest.


bluebird74MaleUnited Kingdom2014-07-28 10:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBeneficiary (not in the U.S.) Change of Address - Help!

is the Foreign Beneficiary wanting to go through 'postal processing' at NVC, or no?

If no, please train up yer USCitizen Spouse to handle all at NVC via the contents posted on the Wiki in the Ling Che Shortcut page.

Please?

However, if YES - then having the right address is important. Suggest you SEND OFF a POSTAL LETTER to NVC, updating your address with THEM via postal mail.

Good luck, whatever path you choose (there are at least two, aye?)


WOW, old thread but I am going through this now. When I called USCIS, the agent informed me that since USCIS only deals with customers in the US, that I can fax the appropriate case information and the new address of the beneficiary outside the US to the NVC..and she gave me the fax number. She informed me they will pass this information to the USCIS application. Only problem is the fax number was invalid..Posted Image.

I then looked online more at the DOS site and found a process to send an email to the DOS/NVC via the address "nvcinquiry at state.gov"...which I did and received an auto-reply confirming it was received. Here is the URL for this process is http://www.dhs.gov/f...ress-procedures . I hope it helps someone.
Fiance JourneyMaleVenezuela2013-03-13 13:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNon-Legal Ceremony in Foreign Country??

My fiance and I were dealing with the same question, as our families (and us as well) were wanting to have a personal non-legal ceremony beforehand in his country. We made the decision as well to not risk ANY problems with the visa process, and hold off on anything that looks remotely like a wedding. We'd rather have each other :)

Thanks for posting this, and for these responses, nice to see decisions supported by the experts.


Posted Image
Fiance JourneyMaleVenezuela2013-04-25 18:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNon-Legal Ceremony in Foreign Country??
thanks all! :)

wish the USCIS process was faster...:) But who doesnt, including the USCIS who probably are short handed :dance: :)
Fiance JourneyMaleVenezuela2013-03-04 13:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNon-Legal Ceremony in Foreign Country??
great break down baron555. I think everything you said is how i interpreted it from the beginning and is my philosophy on almost anything legal..why seem fishy, causing them to wonder and attempt to catch something wrong...thats their job. In the end we will come back after the wedding in the US and have something on the beach..:)
Fiance JourneyMaleVenezuela2013-03-04 13:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNon-Legal Ceremony in Foreign Country??

I think it would pretty selfish of the family to ignore your reasons for not wanting to take a risk and have this "non-legal" ceremony. This is your life, and your marriage, its a terrible thing when people try to guilt you as a means of manipulation to get what they want. Did you explain to them why this isn't a normal marriage and it can't be gone about as such ? I have a hard time imagining they would still insist on their way. But even if they do, who cares ? They're not the ones who will suffer the consequence. Apologies if I sound harsh, I just feel very strong about my independence, individuality, and my right to do as I please with my life.



Yep, they understand after I gave them a direct statement that it cant happen and it wont happen and is out of our control..so they dont say anything any longer except the every now and then comment to be smart about it/mostly funny (i have a sense of humor and have no problems with that)...but i know they'd prefer it happen if possible...so i wanted to ask since I recently read that somewhere that its "OK"..
Fiance JourneyMaleVenezuela2013-03-04 13:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNon-Legal Ceremony in Foreign Country??

Posted ImagePosted Image

I had troubles with both my (to be) family in law and my own family, to explain them we did things the way we could, and would be more convinient for us, because we don't have a "normal" situation. We have constraints that most couples don't have. It bugs them, honestly, it kinds of bugs us too, but this doesn't matter and is not really important.

What is important is that we will be together, we will get married, we will spend the rest of our life together. This is a commitment, and this is love, and details don't matter.

We'll get married in court with just my in-laws... then have a ceremony later. Not exactly a dream. But legal, and safe, and good for us :)



:thumbs:

Well said!
Fiance JourneyMaleVenezuela2013-03-04 13:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNon-Legal Ceremony in Foreign Country??

I'd play safe and have no wedding, even traditional and not legal before getting the k-1.


Think of this: The interview is stressful, even if you don't have anything to hide, even when your case is easy AND your embassy is easy. If you (or your fiancé, I don't know if you are the USC or not) have to be careful not to display some information, you'd be even more stressed. They will ask you questions like "when do you plan to get married? Where? Is your familly going to attend?" They will expect details, signs you are not lying. If they have doubts, they will ask more questions. If they think you are lying or hiding something, you'll have problems. Don't put yourself, or your fiancé, in a difficult situation.

Rules vary from countries to countries, on how you can get married, what is a 'legal mariage' or not, etc.To give you an exemple, in france, you can't have a wedding ceremony (at church or wherever, even non-religious ceremony) if you don't go the the cityhall to get married first. So it they see a ceremony, they will assume you are married legally too. And as in the US, you don't need an "official setting" (such as courthouse, cityhall etc) to get married, they also can assume that as soon as you had a ceremony, you really legally got married. They won't check it up, they will just stop there.


I agree...and good point. Its an interview and its their sole discretion on the decision..facts or not. Are you of moral character to receive this privilage of a K-1 is the decision they are looking for..period..all up to their feelings of the interview. Follow their requirements to the T and youre good.
Fiance JourneyMaleVenezuela2013-03-04 13:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNon-Legal Ceremony in Foreign Country??

If the ceremony is really important, then just make sure there are no pictures on Facebook etc. When asked if you are married, the answer is no because you legally didn't get married. You are walking a fine line, just realize that if they even have a doubt, if you are married or not, you will have problems.


thanks dmck, I am not going to risk anything and these are the responses I expected. Was strange though when I read somewhere it was ok as if they new directly.
Fiance JourneyMaleVenezuela2013-03-04 13:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNon-Legal Ceremony in Foreign Country??

Is the ceremony worth the US Embassy determining that it was a wedding and denying the K-1?

Is it worth wasting the time apart and the costs for the K-1?

Is it worth coming back to her country to legally marry?

Is it worth wasting more time and the costs for a spousal visa?

Is it worth being separated for another year or longer?

Is it worth complicating your life?

Explain to her family that they can have either the ceremony or her life in the US with you by complying with the US Embassy's rules. They can't have both. The rules of her country do not apply to the US Embassy. If you want the K-1 from the US Embassy, then you comply with their rules. Ignore them and suffer the consequences. And guess what? Who do you think will pay the price? Its not her family. You and your fiancée will bear the financial and emotional costs. Not exactly a great way to start your life together.



I agree and that has been my response to them but I wanted to fish around in these forums with my questions rather than just read :) thanks!! I think my original decision stands.
Fiance JourneyMaleVenezuela2013-03-04 13:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNon-Legal Ceremony in Foreign Country??

I have seen too many times a K-1 get denied because of a 'ceremony'. You have to ask yourself, is it worth it?

good luck


Thanks, and that has always been my response and feelings on it...but its interesting to hear some topics say with "authority" that its a ceremony and perfectly fine. Wish they had a direct statement on it on USCIS.
Fiance JourneyMaleVenezuela2013-03-03 18:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNon-Legal Ceremony in Foreign Country??
This is my first post, so forgive me if this has been answered directly by someone with more authority than I have seen out there.

I have seen many conflicting posts about having a non-legal ceremony in the foreign country of my fiance prior to us receiving the K-1 Fiance Visa. My fiance's family has been adamant on us having this ceremony before she moves to the US to become married. This is for cultural and religious reasons....and of course they very much want to see her have this ceremony since most cannot travel to the US.

There have seen many opinions out there where they believe USCIS will consider that fraud for having any indication or representation of marriage outside the US and/or before the K-1 has been issued. And that it could delay and/or highly jeopardize the K-1 acceptance.

Also, out there are opinions that if its just a ceremony and is not considered legal in the foreign country, that it is not a problem with USCIS. I would think this would be directly stated on their site, but its not (unless I have missed it after hours and hours of reading).

Her and I would love to have a ceremony with her friends and family on the beach during these long months of waiting. Being apart is really hard. This would satisfy their cultural concerns and allow me to actually stay at her house when I visit monthly...saving me money on hotels (I'm already paying for flights and other things while I'm there) and of course allowing me to enjoy the comfort of staying with her without her family becoming upset with us.

USCIS at the VSC received our I-129F on January 15, 2013.

thanks in advance!!!
Fiance JourneyMaleVenezuela2013-03-03 18:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs There a Background Check on Beneficiary By USCIS?

We sent our I-129F application on January 2 to USCIS at the Vermont Service Center.  It was transferred to Texas Service Center at the end of May and haven't heard a word back.  I then scheduled a meeting with the local USCIS office to ask questions and hopefully get answers to the delay since I am seeing many others receiving their NOA2 that filed months later than us.  I even helped someone file months after we did and they received their NOA2 over one month ago...and they even had to answer an RFE along the way.  I was very very thorough in my application and provided everything they could ever need, to the T.  At the meeting at the local USCIS office they said they couldn't really see into the case but that the status is set to "Expedited", which she said was a very good thing when she sees that.

 

Then is when I heard information I have never read before.  She explained that since my fiance had lived in her Nationality country until 18 when she moved to Mexico, the background checks could be causing the delay.  I continued to ask about that since everything I've known about the process is that USCIS only performs background checks on the petitioner, not that beneficiary.  And then when approved, it goes to the NVC where she has her background ran.  She explained that the NVC is always involved from the beginning and the background checks are on both of us.  That seems a little strange to me and wonder if her explanations were only to keep me happy. That was very early this month.

 

Does anyone have any information on this?


Fiance JourneyMaleVenezuela2013-08-27 20:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

Thanks , I will call next week....then wait for a number ClockWatch2.gif

 

For me it took 6 business days for my case to be arrived at NVC


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-14 20:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

I called uscis asking for status on my case after being to csc the automated system said to wait up to 180 days??!!!!! What!!!!

 

FYI,

 

My husband called CSC to know abt the i130 approval time on march 5th morning. They answered " Your case is in 180 days mark, so You will hear soon ". They acknowledged our case is in CSC.

 

On the same day march 5th 9.30 PM CST we got approved. So no worries. You re next. No wonder if u get approval tonight.

 

All the best. 


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-07 20:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

Guess who is getting drunk this weekend!?!?!?!?!?! Omg Omg we got approved from TSC to night at about 845 I got the email and at 901 I got the text. Guys I was so happy and nervous that puked (I know y'all wanted to know)!!!

 

Awesome.. Congrats :) :)


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-07 00:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

Approved!!! Now's it's gonna be a REAL good weekend! Marcela my friend! Join me in your dancing shoes!! dancin5hr.gif

 

Soooo Happy for u Joanna. Now the jealousy feel wil be vanished :) :) Dance like anything kicking.gif


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-06 23:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

Only one approval(my approval) last night? No any other approvals? :( :(


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-06 09:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

Deep Bhaiya... Mujshe NOA2 milenge. Abi office me hei. Coworkers ki sweets dhiya. Thum n hum Lets party Karenga.... Sorry for baby hindi. smile.pngsmile.png

 

Correct version:

 

Deep Bhaiya... Mujshe NOA2 milgayi. Abi office me hei. Coworkers ki sweets dhiya. Thum n hum Lets party Karenga.... Sorry for baby hindi.


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-06 06:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

I am so happy for you sister...
Just wake up and now my day will be good today..
Happy to see smile on friends face..


Muje Party chahiye:..
Kab milegi??





 

Very soon in US :P :P :P


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-06 06:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

Congrats

 

Thank you :)


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-06 01:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

 

Well my grandparents on my dad's side are from Thirunelvelli or something that sounds like that! And my mom's side are from Andhra Pradesh. So I guess I'm a little mixed. What about you?

 

We are from Gujarat root. But totally in Tamilnadu. So both my parents,grandparents,relatives are from Tamilnadu. I do speak sourashtra(my lang),Tamil and english fleunty. I married an indian Born American. Wat abt u?


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-06 01:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

 

OH man.. yes! Do you think the country we are from makes a difference? I'm Indian too... although I was born and bred in Malaysia!

 Are you basically from Tamilnadu,India?


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-06 00:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

 

OH man.. yes! Do you think the country we are from makes a difference? I'm Indian too... although I was born and bred in Malaysia!

 

I guessed so. I saw ur pics in FB. U n ur parents looks like indians. Malaysia is a high risk country but since u were an indian, risks would be less. This is my perception. Hope all is well :) Keep in touch.


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-06 00:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

 

Congratulations CrescentMoon! I'm so happy for you and yet so jealousssss smile.png Hope it's my turn soon!

 

What happens next... why more waiting of course!

 

Yeah. Thank you. NVC case receiving, Case number n IIN generating,Preparations,Packets sending,Medicals,interview,POE.ClockWatch2.gif  Got it? Need to wait for 4 to 5 months to get it all done


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-06 00:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

Deep Bhaiya... Mujshe NOA2 milenge. Abi office me hei. Coworkers ki sweets dhiya. Thum n hum Lets party Karenga.... Sorry for baby hindi. :) :)


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-06 00:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

Thank you all my VJ FRIENDSSSSSSS I m so excited. dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif But I need to get back to normal(waiting game).ClockWatch2.gif  Today is our officially engaged day eb0dfafc.gif . What a coincidence!!! I got approval in 6 months 20 days from my noa1, 23 days from transferkicking.gif   .I wish all the august filers get approved soon. good.gif


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-06 00:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

Just got txt message at 9:30 CST.  We got approved!!!!! dancin5hr.gif


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-05 22:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

 

Yeah, I think I got mine about 2 weeks ago, but I dont know the exact date (I wasn't checking the site every day, and I still haven't received a hard copy). I also don't know which center I got sent to. 

 

Anyway Lets wait for approval :)


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-05 19:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

Still nothing here too!

I know it is normal, but I have to admit I'm getting nervous.

 

Did u get transfer?


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-05 11:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

 You are next my dear..

 

rose.gif

 

Achcha Lagrahe hei!!! :)


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-05 09:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

 

 

 

Congratsssssssssssss both of you..

please update your timeline.

dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif

 

Deep, I m still waiting for mine.  sad.png  sad.png  sad.png


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-05 09:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

 I was transferred CSC on 2/10 and still waiting rolleyes.gif sad.png 

 

Me toooo :( :(


No approvals yet? :( crying.gif


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-03 23:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2013 I-130 filers

Is this info correct ?

I knew about Cindy but what about first 3 people..

Where they posted their approval note, lol.. 

Or I missed previous pages.

 

I think u missed some pages. but all this are correct. I saw the spreedsheet. Now Its looks nice :)


CresentMoonFemaleIndia2014-03-02 19:39:00