ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere to put G-1145?
I honestly think it doesn't matter. I put mine somewhere in the middle without realizing they wanted it at the beginning, and everything worked out fine. I'd say maybe just in front of everything, or behind your cover sheet?
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-07-21 10:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan they be any slower?!!!!

THe online processing is for the NVC stage only. It seemed like the only reason it was faster is there was no wait time for snailmail. You scan and email all the paperwork, just have to remember to bring the originals to the interview.


Thank you :thumbs:

After searching the site I realized that you can opt in once you're assigned a NVC number. I swear my patience is running thin and I have barely started the process...
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-07-23 10:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan they be any slower?!!!!
Anyone know if the new online processing makes things go any faster?
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-07-22 20:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat can I do while im waiting for NOA2?
I know, Darnell is awesome! :thumbs:
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-08-01 20:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat can I do while im waiting for NOA2?
Ok I think I'm following now, thanks everyone! Good, hubby has no record.

I thought that once I received NOA2 it would say that EP is an option and I could opt-in. But I guess either way I have to wait until my case gets transferred to NVC so I can get the NVC case number then file/email the 3032.

I think I'm going to be spending a LOT of time on here. :hehe:
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-08-01 20:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat can I do while im waiting for NOA2?
Hi Everyone,
I'm in the same boat, so rather than starting a new thread maybe I can just tack onto this one. I've read LingChe's Guide and have it "favorited" on my browser and will print out out. I received my NOA1 a few weeks ago and am also working to prepare for NOA2, and am hoping to be invited to "opt-in" for electronic processing. I have been trying to figure out, what is the difference between the police certificate and biometrics? I thought the police certificate was part of the biometrics.

I am the USC and doing the research for my hubby, so I have to relay the info to him as to what he needs to do in the meantime to ensure there's not a lot of lag time. If the biometrics are police certificate are not the same thing, should I see about him getting his certificate? I couldn't find anywhere how long it's good for, but I'm guessing about 6 months.

Thanks in advance for your help :star:
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-08-01 16:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864EZ V 1-864
I have and I-864 question too! I just received my NOA1 and am getting prepped for the I-864. I actually am in the process of filing my 2007-2008 tax returns because I was living/working abroad full-time and was not aware I had to file in the US. Long story short, my income in 2007 and 2008 was less that $15,000 as I was a student back then. But in 2009 it was well above the 125% line and I can get an employer to type up a letter stating how much I make per year, plus I can print off all my paystubs.

Will they have a problem with the fact I made barely any money in 2007/2008? I am also worried my tax returns won't be processed by the time I need to send in all the info, then what? I won't have W-2's because I didn't work in the US, so all I will basically have are my canadian tax returns in which my income will match what I am filing with the USA. Am I over-thinking this?
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-08-01 20:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI just want to be with my fiance! Please help
Hi Leah!

My situation is almost identical to yours. I am american, and my now husband is Canadian. We were together for 10 years when we started looking into filing, even met with a lawyer once, and for the same reasons as you, we chose to go with the CR1 option.

We knew we wanted to get married but wanted a big wedding and it would take a while to save for it, and it would also be easier to have a big wedding if we were actually living together again. We got married at the courthouse the next time he came in from Canada, he may have mentioned it to the border guard, I'm not sure. We only told our mothers, and had them both present at the ceremony. We filed our CR1 paperwork the next week once our marriage license was finalized. We haven't told any of our friends or anything, we'll plan a wedding for next summer after he has his visa and no one will be the wiser.

My husband comes back and forth and hasn't had any issues telling the border guards he's going to visit his wife, they're usually pretty empathetic. Obviously if you're coming over the border to visit your husband with a moving truck, there might be some issues. But if you're honest about everything you have nothing to worry about.

I filed the first week of July and my case was routed to CSC and I am still waiting for my NOA2, and it's almost been 4 months. Most people on here that filed in August that were routed to VSC have already had their NOA2. The waiting is very painful, but at least it gives me lots of time to gather more and more evidence. It's also really annoying knowing that my husband is only a 6 hour drive away but it's so much work to be able to live and work in the same city. Oh well...

Good luck with your journey!
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-10-23 21:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJuly Filers for California Service Center
Yah I just got the notice of transfer via snail mail. No email, no touches, no nothing! Just snail mail!
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-11-08 21:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJuly Filers for California Service Center
Hope so! I check the USCIS website about a million times a day!
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-11-08 16:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJuly Filers for California Service Center
Min was sent to CSC too, not transferred to TSC. My package was pretty thorough, so I'm just hoping it's not getting any touches because it's a perfect application and I will get NOA2 soon. Wishful thinking I guess.
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-11-08 14:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJuly Filers for California Service Center
I am also at CSC, NOA1 date of 7/17. My file hasn't been "touched" since 7/26. Slightly worried, but I am aware that some people have gotten their NOA2's without a single touch. I know another person who filed their I130 3 days before me and just received their NOA2.

Hopefully CSC speeds up now!
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-11-08 11:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI've been TOUCHED!!!! FINALLY!!!
Congrats! You're probably getting NOA2 soon! I too have not had a "touch" for 4 months, not even when my case was transferred to TSC. This gives me hope my application isn't lost :thumbs:
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-11-12 18:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTransffered to TSC days before approval...

Well, apparently in the wisdom of the USCIS our case was transferred to the Texas Service Center on November 2,2010 to expedite the case. I have been looking for any information in regards to this, and have found no one other posts. Any clues as to why the USCIS would do this so close to the 5 month promised date??


All the cases were transferred to TSC so that they could make the 5 month mark...but like you, I was transferred on the 2nd and have heard nothing yet. I assume that it will be faster then if we had stayed at CSC but no one that I've been corresponding with has heard anything from TSC yet.

I'm just under 2.5 weeks away from the 5 month mark, and with Holiday coming up I'm not really sure how I'm going to get my NOA2 before that date. All I know is that I am calling USCIS the day after my 5 month mark.

I also haven't had any "touches" for 4 months and not even a touch when I was transferred to TSC. Oh well, hopefully good news is coming soon!
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-11-17 21:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes the NVC read VJ?

I was just sitting here thinking and wondering if the NVC has ever read about us here at VJ? Do they know about our long waits, do they care? We are real and genuine and want to do everything the legal way to be with our loved ones. We are rare, but our resolve is strong. How many other couples do you know that have to wait so long to live with their wives and husbands? It is tough, but I was just scratching my head hoping they understand us here and well..I'd rather they be working on our case than reading VJ, but hey...everyone one has "some" spare time... :P



This is a good question, I've been wondering the same thing! I bet they do, and they gossip about everything they read during their leisurely lunch break. :rofl:
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-12-01 20:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNews for TSC transferred and June July filers
I don't understand that if they are so "backlogged" why are a TON of August and September filers already getting their NOA2's?

I figure it's because if they work on June/July petitions first, june and july filers will be late, as will August/September. So their thinking was just to make June/July filers REALLY late and August/September filers early.

I get frustrated thinking that I worked very hard to get my I130 sent off quickly but in reality if I would have put my package together at a leisurely pace and sent it out in August/September I would be getting my NOA2 already!

Just venting my frustration. I do think all of the June & July filers should have their NOA2's by the holidays :thumbs:
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-12-05 23:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPost Decision Activity -
I read on the "CSC to TSC" forum that a few people had experience the same thing you had. One of them ended up calling USCIS to see what was going on. He/she went on to say that since TSC has not processed these types of petitions for quite a while, that there has been a learning curve and a few mistakes were made. The USCIS agent essentially said that someone had screwed up. I'm not sure if this is the case for you, but it seems to be the case for others.

I am not even sure if any TSC transferred filers have gotten their NOA2's yet. I had 4 touches in a row last week and still nothing!!! :bonk:
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2010-12-09 23:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I apply for a canadian visa while my hubby applies for an american one?
Ok so I think this may be a bit of a weird situation. My husband and I applied for out I-130 in July(!). Yah, we were part of the unfortunate bunch that got transferred to TSC and nothing has happened since, which has led me to my current predicament. When my husband and I applied, we thought it would only take 7 months max. During that time he was doing a seasonal job, then when the season turned cold he was laid off as he always was. We thought he would have time to get his visa and come live with me a find a job when he got here.

BUT since it's taken WAY too long he has found a pretty good job in his city, and it is a good move for him. I am not sure what to do. Do we keep going forward with his Visa? Can he keep his USA visa if he keeps his job in Canada? Can I apply for my Canadian visa while he's applying for his american one?

I wish it wasn't so stinking hard, we are only 6 hours away but the government makes it seem like a whole other world!!!
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-01-13 00:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTAX question -
I actually had the same question, and I read the following on the IRS site:

[b]Line 4 - Head of Household
[/b]
This filing status is for unmarried individuals who provide a home for certain other persons. You are considered unmarried for this purpose if any of the following applies.

You were legally separated according to your state law under a decree of divorce or separate maintenance at the end of 2010. But if, at the end of 2010, your divorce was not final (an interlocutory decree), you are considered married.
You are married but lived apart from your spouse for the last 6 months of 2010 and you meet the other rules under Married persons who live apart on this page.
You are married to a nonresident alien at any time during the year and you do not choose to treat him or her as a resident alien.
Married persons who live apart. Even if you were not divorced or legally separated at the end of 2010, you are considered un married if all of the following apply.

You lived apart from your spouse for the last 6 months of 2010. Temporary absences for special circumstances, such as for business, medical care, school, or military service, count as time lived in the home.
You file a separate return from your spouse.
You paid over half the cost of keeping up your home for 2010.
Your home was the main home of your child, stepchild, or foster child for more than half of 2010 (if half or less, see Exception to time lived with you).
You can claim this child as your de pendent or could claim the child except that the child's other parent can claim him or her under the rule for Children of divorced or separated parents.


I am also a USC and my canadian husband has not lived with me at all in 2010, I pay ALL the housing expenses in the US, etc. According to the guidelines above, it seems like "Head of Household" accurately describes me. Am I wrong in thinking this?
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-01-23 23:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarrying an American
I am american and recently married a canadian. We didn't have a special wedding or anything, we were just married in the courthouse with our parents present. He came down to visit, we got married, he went back to Canada and we filed the I-130. It is cheaper than the fiance visa.

We filed in July but were one of 36,000 that got transferred to TSC and are still waiting to be approved. Needless to say because of the time it's taking, he crosses back and fourth frequently and hasn't been hassled, yet. Once he's here permanently we will have a big wedding ceremony with all of our friends and family present.

Good luck!
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-06 14:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresImpacts of TSC to CSC transfers in Oct/Nov/Dec applicants?
I think we should really merge this forum with the October/November forum. We're all essentially talking about the same thing and posting it in both forums anyways, it's pretty funny.
:rofl:
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-10 01:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresImpacts of TSC to CSC transfers in Oct/Nov/Dec applicants?

OK Raj We give up :rofl: you win :thumbs:


Oh man, but don't you realize they are being transferred back to CSC because TSC CANNOT physically process them? They do not have the manpower. TSC has had our petitions since November.

But I can see it's not getting through to you, so I too will concede this pointless argument. :bonk:
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-10 00:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresImpacts of TSC to CSC transfers in Oct/Nov/Dec applicants?

If that is your argument then we can also say that CSC shouldn't have transferred 36000 cases to TSC in the first place :bonk:

TSC does not and did not have resources to do this task on time :bonk: http://www.uscis.gov...000082ca60aRCRD


I was just about to post the same thing. TSC was averaging like 400 a month. I don't know who's bright idea it was to think it'd "Speed up Processing" to transfer all those files to them, but I think they may have been fired.
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-10 00:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresImpacts of TSC to CSC transfers in Oct/Nov/Dec applicants?

come on now, isn't it unfair now if the other applicants are getting delayed due to these TSC to CSC transfers?


Nope! You're not even a month in and you're already complaining. Trust me, you'll be approved WELL-BEFORE the 5-month cap. Try waiting 7+ months like the rest of us from June/July, then you can start complaining. :crying:
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-10 00:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center
Rejoice, I got an email back from Angela! LOL, I sent her quite a few :)

Ms. *****,

Sorry this has been delayed. We have located your petition and I should have it on an officer’s desk Monday. I will provide an update later in the day Monday.

Regards,



I feel a bit sorry for her, her head must be spinning! I'm glad my petition was not lost.
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-11 16:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center

She never replied to me and I thought she didn't care either then I got approved still! She probably looks at our cases or talks to the officer. When she realizes that it's going to be approved VERY soon she probably blows it off and spends more time with cases like Wade's or waitingontheLord.

I know it's hard but it'll all be over soon. Just imagine fighting with the spouse about taking out the trash and say "okay I can wait a little bit more"

BON COURAGE A TOUS! (doesn't translate well in English)


Thanks for your reassuring words. I speak a bit of French, and my husband is fluent, so I get it :)

I shouldn't complain so much I know, most of you haven't seen your spouses in SO very long. I am lucky my husband is a 6 hour drive away, I am just frustrated with the whole process. And it's really hard maintaining two separate residences and paying twice the amount of bills!

I hear someone say there have been 20-30 approvals on Saylin's spreadsheet, that is AMAZING!
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-11 14:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center
Yep, still nothing on my end from her. I emailed her early in the week. I just don't know why she is skipping over me and replying to everyone else. :crying:
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-11 14:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center

There are plenty of people she hasn't responded to. Maybe some of the files are just a little more difficult to locate than others (which is a little scary, I know), and she's probably waiting on other, less efficient/super busy people to get back to her. But I'm sure she'll respond to you soon – hang in there!


I guess that's sort of reassuring and scary at the same time. It'd be pretty typical with my luck if they lost my application, BUT I did make 2 extra copies :thumbs:
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-11 13:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center

Angela Barrows is my hero! I wrote an email to her this morning after I got that third status update about being transferred to a USCIS office, and she wrote me back less than 50 minutes later with this:

"Your petition is at CSC and is with an officer today. This is good news! :)"

I really think she is doing her best, and it's nice to know someone has got our backs. I hope those of you who are still waiting to hear back from her receive something soon.

And congratulations to everyone else who has been approved/shipped to NVC! It's hard to keep up!


So irritating! I have emailed her twice this week and nothing. My NOA1 date is 7/17. I just don't understand why she is responding to everyone else except for me :crying:

I am wondering if they have lost my petition.
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-11 13:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center

I emailed Angela 10 minutes ago, no response. I"M FREAKING OUT! My case has not been touched. I'm screwed!


Me too Fermat! Well, I decided to leave her alone, but I did send very nice emails. But also, my case has not been touched and USCIS had nothing to say about it, except they wold expedite. LOL.
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-11 12:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center

Hey guys I just e-mailed to Angela Borrows. Will she reply to my e-mail? :yes:


I emailed her twice. I'm on my 7 months and I have an expedite, but still, nothing.
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-11 11:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center

Yes, that's the one. Technically, when it comes through from her, it's Angela.Barrows@dhs.gov but I'm sure the upper case makes no difference in email.


Thanks! Yah, that would be weird the uppercase vs lowercase made a difference :)

She's probably just got me blocked!
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-10 17:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center
I must be getting her email wrong, I've emailed her twice over the past week. This is correct, right?

angela.barrows@dhs.gov
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-10 17:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center

Just got off the phone with USCIS and sure enough you can add me to the list of people who got transferred BACK TO CSC from TSC. UGHHHHHHHHH


Hey I think that's a good thing! At least you got something out of a USCIS rep today. All I got was "call back in 2 months" aka when my petition is at 9 months! And then an "Expedite" when I complained.

I was really hoping they're tell me I was approved. :cry:
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-10 16:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center

Email Angela Barrows, reference the alert and tell her the Custom Support still has no clue, the are mis-informing customer still. According to her, that was rectified.............


THanks I will try emailing her again. I tried a few nights ago, we'll see what happens. :)
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-10 12:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center
I threw a bit of a fit after the Tier 1 guy told me that I received a notice on 1/27(which i didn't get) and that I could call back in another 2 months. RIGHT! That would make 9 months at USCIS, and my application was filled out perfectly, tons of info to prove my 12 year relationship, but 9 months, that makes sense.

Got transferred to a Tier 2 Officer and she said she was expediting my case, BUT considering most people that had a dire situation with an expedited case still had to wait 6 months, I'm not going to hold my breath.

So, you guys think this means my case wasn't transferred back to CSC?
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-10 12:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center
Has anyone called USCIS to see if their case was transferred to CSC? I just called them, all they told me was that my case needed "additional review". I almost had a good breakdown at work. Is this just a bull$###### answer from a Tier 1 rep that knows nothing? :bonk:
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-10 12:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center

A BIG congratulations to "Foreverandever, Xelance, Sarah et luc, Dream4tmw, Mahalia, JellyBelly, Dantes, Portbar, Vishal.p, Ezzie, Aj2010". Happy for all of you! Guys you all deserved it. Atleast first step of the process is over, hopefully the rest of the process goes smoothly for all of you! All the Best!

Sgt Wade - Congratulations on getting the email! Officer Angela did keep her word.

Well, I admit that being left out from the pack does suck! Feeling a bit sad, hitting 7 months in another 5 days! TSC please please, give us our approval!!

God Bless!


Are you still waiting for your NOA2?! For some reason I thought you had been approved.
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-10 01:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center

WOW i have 357 unread messages on my email from postings on visajourney from the last 2 or so hours! haha


LOL, for some reason I only get like one a day!
TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-10 01:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center
LOL I just read their forum before I realized anyone on here posted about it. One person was complaining and they are a January 2011(!) filer, HaHA!

Well on another not congrats to everyone who was approved tonight! I'll be hoping for a touch, a transfer, ANYTHING!

Edited by jmks, 10 February 2011 - 12:24 AM.

TSC BlackholeFemaleCanada2011-02-10 00:22:00