Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	approved and Arrived	QUOTE (pretty_1 @ Dec 17 2007, 01:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> does one get i-551 stamp on the passport at the port of entry or the day when the visa is approved? would appreciate replies You get the I-551 stamp on the POE..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-17 13:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	port of entry	QUOTE (pretty_1 @ Dec 17 2007, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> u mean i-551 stamp at the port of the entry? CFO stamping is for Filipinos only who are leaving the Philippines.. As far as I know CFO stamping is not even checked on the POE.. CFO stamping is checked on the Philippine Immigration inside NAIA. If in the case there is no CFO stamp on the traveler's passport.. The traveler would be deny of travel without this CFO stamp. ONLY FOR PHILIPPINES!!	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-17 14:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	port of entry	QUOTE (jigshafel @ Dec 3 2007, 03:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> what form would she need to fill out on the plane prior to arrival CUSTOMS Declaration forms.. Well you can fill that out..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-03 15:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	port of entry	QUOTE (jigshafel @ Dec 3 2007, 03:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> hi all, my wife and i are about to depart for the US with her on a cr1 visa. aside from her passport with visa, xray results(plus vaccination records) and sealed packet from USEM, anything else she would need to show the USCIS officer? thanks! As far as I know.. That's it.. Tell the wife WELOME TO the USofA	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-03 15:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May/June Filers ATTN	Well I filed my I-130 on May 2007.. STATUS: I am almost done with NVC.. Just waiting for the result of our DS230 review.	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-17 17:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Dried fish and Pusit in the Luggage?	QUOTE (rjp44 @ Dec 16 2007, 10:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You should be ok, but don't try to bring in any fresh fruit. California watches that closely because of fruit flies. Well I brought Fresh Green Sour Mangoes this year.. Everything went fine, A custom officer had told me last year that I can bring mangoes but I just have to remove the seed.. Which is what I did..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-17 11:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Dried fish and Pusit in the Luggage?	Yes.. Dried Fish are fine.. Even Balut, But Absolutely no Chicharones..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-17 11:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	To be happy or not to be happy...	QUOTE (waiting06 @ Dec 13 2007, 09:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The NVC recieved my DS-230 on Dec. 1st. Today I called them to see if there were any updates. First I checked the automated message. It told me that they found information missing or incomplete and mailed a letter on Dec. 12th. [Which I find to be impossible because I know I sent everything and everything correctly] WoW.. I'm really curious on what's on that letter they sent you on Dec 12..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-13 23:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	nvc vacation	NVC on Vacation? No!!! Not right now.. My DS-230 is currently on review... Give me Case Complete then go on Vacation..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-19 10:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	packet 3 and 4 ?	QUOTE (waiting06 @ Dec 19 2007, 09:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> whats packet 3 and what is packet 4? Packet 3 is the DS-230 Packet 4 is the Interview Instructions	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-19 22:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CONFUSED..please advise	I got the same info from the NVC Operator just to send originals and photocopy of the passport.. But anyways.. I printed a copy from the NVC site that states send photocopy of the documents and highlighted it with an highlighter. And made copies of the documents and included it in the package.. Hey.. I ain't got nothing to loose..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-18 15:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Any additional fees	Some Consulates are different.. Like in the USEM Philippines.. We have to pay Documents Verification fee 2 weeks before the Interview for about 650 PHP, then after the Interview we have to pay Visa Delivery fee ranging from 200 PHP and up depending on the location, then after the Interview we still have to get a CFO clearance Seminar and Certification which is around 650 PHP as well.. Your going to see these little fees along with the Interview.. Oh Lets not forget about MEDICAL fee... In the Philippines I think they charge $165 USD or something.. Plus fees again when you get to the airport TERMINAL FEE.. WOW!! They should change the country's name to FEElippines..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-19 12:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview date re-scheduled by Embassy	Yupzzz.. He did a Vegas on this.. He gambled..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-20 12:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Email from uscis TODAY	Congratulation.. I'm assuming your NVC process would start next year.. Good Luck!!	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-19 12:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Should I hire a lawyer?	Their just like us after all.. HUMANS!!	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-26 23:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Should I hire a lawyer?	QUOTE (bowlerbabe770 @ Dec 26 2007, 11:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm a US Citizen who just got married to a Moroccan. I've reviewed the forms and they seem pretty clear to me, is it worth it to hire a lawyer? Has anyone done this themselves who could give me some information on their experience? Thanks! If the process is pretty clear for you.. I don't think you need a lawyer.. That's my opinion.. VJ has the best info I have seen so far.. and very kind members that are willing to help you out and share their experience with you.. If you could do it yourself I suggest you do it yourself...	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-26 12:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	stupid question i130 package	QUOTE (suga @ Jan 2 2008, 05:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> yes my wife is filling for me, just for me i have no children. yes i mean i130 and G-325A. So yeah the petitioner fills out the Form I-130, and 4 pieces of the G325A. Beneficiary has to fill out 4 sets of G325A also..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-02 17:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	stupid question i130 package	QUOTE (suga @ Jan 2 2008, 05:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i want to file the I-130 , so do i need to make 3 copies of that form, and sign three of them? or just sign one of i-130 and make 3 copies of it for my records. Why make 3 copies? I don't get it? We only send 1 I-130 Form per applicant. After you finished filling it out, I strongly suggest you to make copies of what your about to send.. For record purposes..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-02 17:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	HELP! Wife is Pregnant in Japan! Will this hurt CR1 Visa???	QUOTE (Charles & Ai @ Jan 4 2008, 01:29 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! If I was in your case.. I would apply for K3 Visa.. File the I-130 then when you get the NOA1 Apply for I-129F.. Its faster then CR1..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-04 14:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	baby how to get to us?	QUOTE (lostGurl18 @ Jan 1 2008, 09:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> his dad is an american citizen, and my baby is turning 7 months old. we were not able to file up since i was pregnant when we are filing k3 visa however, when i give birth i-130 approve luckily so as per advise by the lawyer k3 will be cancelled and will pursue with CR1 visa (leaving the i-129f) im in the process of sending the affidavit of support and fee bill since my choice of agent is my lawyer what do you think i should do so i can bring her with me? and how can i apply her for birth certificate abroad thanks. happy new year. I think I can help you.. Me and my wife were in the same situation before. The only difference is I took care of my daughter's US Passport 1st before filling the Petition for my wife.. What You need to is have your spouse with you in the Philippines when registering for birth abroad and application of passport.. You can call the USEM to request the application, and they will send it to you via Air21 Express.. Fill it out, include the proof of father's American Citizenship then call USEM again for pickup.. After you send it wait for 2 weeks and they will call you guys for interview.. Have the proof of documents with you guys on the interview.. Upon the approval USEM will send the US Passport to your home..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-07 13:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Now what is this?	Is this for February Interview?	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-08 10:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-864 required documents	QUOTE (dbzman @ Dec 12 2007, 11:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Are you sure that a pay stub and emploer letter is required? The instructions say this is optional. Thanks! Well since you mentioned is optional.. I guess you could do without em.. But If I were you.. I would include all all the optional requirements for backup. You don't want to risk delay and get an RFE for insufficient Documents.. I'm telling you.. Their are crazy like that.. Just my .02 cents..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-12 12:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-864 required documents	I submitted 3yrs of ITR's... But I think 1 is enough now.. Also if your not submitting assets and co-sponsors.. I suggest to just use I-864ez. As mentioned above.. You will need your latest paystub, and Employment Certificate..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-12-12 11:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	difference between hiring a lawyer and do-it-on-your-own i-130	Let VJ Forum be your guidance..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-07 10:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	got interview date	Congrats.. Got my interview date yesterday too.. Awesome!!	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-12 00:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	what do i need for sponsorship CR1 visa	They also need a letter from the employer stating the salary and date of employment.. Employment Certificate.. (Original)	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-08 16:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	what do i need for sponsorship CR1 visa	QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Jan 8 2008, 04:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> US Citizen Spouse MUST be primary sponsor for the spousal immigrant visa, the US citizen can use a Joint sponsor that is residing in the USA. US citizen spouse must have maintained US Domicile, and must have been filing IRS returns. I-864 requires this, and US Citizen spouse MUST provide an I-864 to get the CR-1. US Citizens may be exempt from paying tax on foreign income, but are not exempt from filing IRS returns. Meaning the US Citizen Spouse/Petitioner needs to be in the US.	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-08 16:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	INTERVIEW!!!	Congrats and good luck on your coming Interview.. I too got my Interview date yesterday.. It will be Feb 20, 2008.. So good luck for the both of us I guess..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-12 08:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Tax Identification Number	QUOTE (rjp44 @ Jan 5 2008, 07:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You could file your return now as single to get the refund you need for travel. Once your spouse is here and has the SSN, file an amended return (Form 1040X) as married and include the letter requesting the spouse be treated as a resident alien. There is a form for Foreign Earned Income to report the spouse's pay and there is no tax as long as it's less than $65,000. I think this what I am going to do.. Thanks rjp44!! That process of my wife sending her passport to me this time around is kind of risky.. Since she is almost on her interview process..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-07 10:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Tax Identification Number	QUOTE (rjp44 @ Jan 3 2008, 10:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Here is another thing that can effect an ITIN. I called IRS because we sent in DS-230 in Oct. '07 and checked the box that we wanted a SSN issued. Found out the IRS considers this a SSN applied for and aliens can not hve both SSN and ITIN applied for. Since we won't be coming through POE until late March, there will not be enough time to get SSN before filing deadline of April 15th. IRS specialist advised me to make sure enough tax had been paid in to avoid owing anything and just file for automatic extension, then file taxes when SSN arrives. He told me "applied for" is no longer accepted in the SSN/ITIN box. You mean amend it?	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-03 22:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Tax Identification Number	Count me in guys.. I'm in the same situation.. My wife and daughter are in the Philippines right now and I want to include them on my 2007 filling.. What should I do? I know the passport thing has been discussed.. So I have a photocopy of her passport, I just have to get it notarized? To any Notary Public? Stating what? I also want to include my daughter on the filling.. But she haven't been here and she's a USC.. Since she haven't been here so she doesn't have a SSN. What should I do?	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-03 22:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	what the hell is wrong with the consulate ?	QUOTE (Tarik @ Nov 2 2007, 03:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> after passing my interview on Oct 2nd the consular officer said I needed a co-sponsor. so I submitted the co-sponsor's needed documents ( form I-864 ,tax return and W2) on Oct 15th. the consulate said they will contact me after they review the documents, well it has been 3 weeks and I havn't heard from them. is that normal or I'm just unlucky ? WoW.. This is scary.. After reading this .. I barely went above poverty line on my 2006 ITR.. And for last 2007 I am below Poverty line.. I hope they don't ask my 2007, Since I didn't include that on my I864 that I submitted to NVC.. To be on the safe side.. I will get a co-sponsor I864 ready and bring it with me on the Interview day..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-18 16:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	What does the Chicago lockbox do?	I think Chicago Lock Box is a sorting dept of USCIS.. That is why they tell everybody who is filing I-130 to send their documents @ the Chicago Lock Box instead of VSC or CSC..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-17 13:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Got Interview next month, Do I need to show 2007 ITR?	QUOTE (Roserick @ Jan 17 2008, 03:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I just checked the USEM Manila website.. It doesn't tell me to bring my latest ITR's.. So I have the reason to tell them I didn't know and it wasn't on the Packet 4. I figure since they have it already with my I864.. All they are asking to bring is photos and some proof of bona fide marriage.. Wish me luck guys.. I am really screwed.. Just got my wife's Packet 4 (Interview Packet) yesterday, and this is what it says.. "If sponsor filed an I-864 (Affidavit of Support) AND provided the NVC with proof of an IRS Federal Income Tax Extension in lieu of a Federal Income Tax Return, the applicant must bring the sponsor's most recent Federal Income Tax Return to the visa interview."	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-19 21:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Got Interview next month, Do I need to show 2007 ITR?	QUOTE (rjp44 @ Jan 18 2008, 03:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just have the same info for the possible co-sponser as you had for your own. A bank notary will be fine and the last year's ITR, W-2, pay stubs if possible. Yep, leaving in the morning for Manila and will be there Sunday night local time. I'll try to get chances to check the forum while I'm goine but won't be back full time until we return Easter weekend. Looking forward to a smooth interview, good times with wife and her family and catchin' up on some loving Hope to see lots of interviews scheduled soon for everyone. What about the letter from his job? Now do I need to make another I864 for myself? So ITR for 2006, pay stub.. What else? Now the question is.. Since I want to use my older brother as my Co-Sponsor. Can I use him as a Co-Sponsor? He also sponsored his family 3yrs ago? Edited by Roserick, 18 January 2008 - 03:13 PM.	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-18 15:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Got Interview next month, Do I need to show 2007 ITR?	QUOTE (rjp44 @ Jan 18 2008, 06:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Mariya @ Jan 18 2008, 04:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi, I also got my interview scheduled for Feb 27th!!!! And I got a letter from NVC in the mail telling when my interview will be and what i need to bring with. One of the reminders says: "If a sponsor filed I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and provided the NVC with the proof of IRS Federal Income Tax Extension in lieu of a Federal Income Tax Return, the applicant must bring the sponsor's most recent Federal Income Tax Return to the visa interview". What is that? Am I really gonna need that? (My husband filed I-864EZ to NVC and everything was fine with it). The 2007 return won't be due until April 15, 2008, so you won't need to provide that or an Extension since your interview is at the end of next month. An extension gives extra time to file the return without being penalized for missing the April 15th due date. It gives an extra 6 months to do so without penaly, but does not give the time penalty free to make sure there is enough paid into the IRS by April 15th to avoid any interest. The main reason VJers would be using this is, as in our case, where we want to be able to file a joint married return for 2007 but won't go thru our POE until the last week of March which is not enough time for the SS card to arrive before the tax due date. We will file for a 6 month extension, wait and file the return after the SS card arrives. That way we have a required SSN on the return for my wife. Thanks Bob... I want to be on the safe side.. I will prepare another I864 for my co-sponsor.. And bring it with me on my wife's Interview. Now what do I need from the co-sponsor? Well I do know he has to signed it and get it notarized. What kind of notary? Just regular bank or does it have to be Immigration Notary? Also How many ITR's needed and what year? Please advice.. Man!! Your almost gone.. Just trying to get my questions in before you leave.. You have been such a help.. Please don't forget us after the Interview!!	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-18 13:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Got Interview next month, Do I need to show 2007 ITR?	QUOTE (rjp44 @ Jan 17 2008, 03:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hopefully, with you having been married so long, they aren't going to take much time interviewing you and you'll be out the door and on your way. I know.. I can't wait for this process to end get my family here ASAP!! I pray every night that Please make everything right on the interview.. God know how much I want to be with my family.. Everyday just to know their alright brightens my day.. Especially the little one!! Oh I miss them so much!!	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-17 15:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Got Interview next month, Do I need to show 2007 ITR?	QUOTE (rjp44 @ Jan 17 2008, 03:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> [ Even though you'll be having your interview before the April 15th filing deadling, and therefore making the 2006 return the current one, the CO can ask for any information they want and could ask for the 2007 W2 or paycheck stubs from the end of year. If your pay is up again, I would bring letter from my employer and recent pay stubs, but not bring it up if not asked. If you have a family member willing to co-sponsor, it would be a good idea to have that ready just in case of AR for not enough income. Good Luck Erick. I just checked the USEM Manila website.. It doesn't tell me to bring my latest ITR's.. So I have the reason to tell them I didn't know and it wasn't on the Packet 4. I figure since they have it already with my I864.. All they are asking to bring is photos and some proof of bona fide marriage.. Wish me luck guys..	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-17 15:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Got Interview next month, Do I need to show 2007 ITR?	I have a question regarding ITR's.. (W2) So ok.. What I submitted to NVC for my Affidavit of Support I-864 was my 2004, 2005, and 2006.. Which my 2006 was above poverty line. That is why I didn't need a co-sponsor. Now that I have an Interview on Feb 20. Do I need to show 2007 ITR also... I am afraid they might ask me for a co-sponsor and put my wife on AR.. I didn't make that much last year.. I am $600 short of the poverty line level.. I was thinking of not mentioning 2007 ITR since I didn't submit that for my I-864 plus W2 for 2007 are just being processed.. I was just lucky to get mine early, but bad luck to see that I didn't make much last year. What should I do?	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-17 13:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Got interview date!!!!!!!! YAYYYYYYYYYYY	Update.. I got my wife's Interview Date Yesterday too.. Feb 20, 2008 @ 8:30am USEM Manila Philippines.. Yahoooo!!!!	Roserick	Not Telling	Philippines	2008-01-12 08:23:00