ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Income Requirement

Your current income is used for calculating the 125% of the proverty line and not the old income. Since you have low previous income, you will be explaining and the fact that you were a student substanciates it. So don't worry, just provide the true facts - never try to hide anything, as NVC can all your previous records at finger tips.

Bottom-line is your case is good if you are making 30,000 PA. Just fill I-864EZ if you don't have any balance in bank accounts or doesn't care to show that else file I-864 if you have some balance in bank accounts and also get a latest bank statement from the branch, which is pretty easy.


Oh my God, you made me feel good about this. I was about to freak out. Thank you!
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-07-13 11:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Income Requirement

You got a good advise. My case is almost similar - meaning my 2010 income is less that the 125% povrty line for 2. While the 2010 tax returns or IRS Tax Transcript is required, the other two years (2009 & 2008) are optional for those these would help else these two are just optional and if I were you I will not bother about those two (but including those will not be counter-productive too). I am including those as I have high income before going to school in 2008 & 2009 (7 months).

Though optional, an employment letter from current employer and 2 or 3 latest subs helps in our cases - of course we need to submit a letter of explanation.


I wanted to make a strong case by attaching the employment letter with the W-2s. On my last tax return, I have the income from my current job for only two months. I was planning on just sending the 2010 return and skip the optional prior two years. However, you still need to fill that section of the form. I just don't know how it'll look when I fill out my yearly income. It'll be like Most recent $22,000, 2nd year $7,500 and 3rd year a loss of $1,500. I'm just confused with everyone saying for a family of two $18K X 3= $54K is the required income and people advise that I should make up the difference. So in my case, I had a net income of $28,000 for the total and I somehow need to include assets for $26K to make up the difference. It just didn't make any sense since I was in school. Now, I graduated, found a job, have the income they require (only for the current year) and I got married. I just feel frustrated that they will get to my case and ask for more income. It does feel good to have someone on the same boat with me. :) Thank you!
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-07-13 11:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Income Requirement

If your income is sufficient, and from "Employment" and there are no children immigrating with your spouse, use the I-864EZ. Otherwise, use the I-864. When income is sufficient, simply leave the optional asset related questions blank. (Only applies to I-864 as the EZ version doesn't ask about assets.)


Thank you! It does look like an 'EZ' form :) I was just confused with people saying that whatever you're short in income requirement, you have to make it up by the assets.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-07-13 11:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Income Requirement
My question is about the income requirement for the AOS. I just sent my I-130 package and I just wanted to get everything ready in advance. My only concern is the affidavit needed to file since my income was different each year. In 2008, I was a full time student and also self-employed and filed a loss of -1,500, in 2009 I was still a full time student, worked part time and had an income of 7,500. In most current year's tax return, 2010, I had an income of 22,000. I graduated from school in May 2009 and got my current job in November 2010. I will get an employment letter from my boss showing my income which is around $30,000 to go with my current W-2s. Now, my question is, would it be sufficient to show that employment letter from my current job even though my income wasn't steady in 2008 and 2009 since I was still in school full time. I'm asking all these questions since there's absolutely NO way of finding a co-sponsor in my family. What are my chances with this AOS being approved? (Current income above poverty line, employment letter, maybe school transcipts showing I was enrolled full time) I know they also mention assets but I doubt that will be an option. Max I can show in assets will be around $5K. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance guys!
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-07-13 09:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-797
So, I'm either confusing myself with this 'unexpected' approval. I just received my NOA2 saying that the original application was sent to NVC. Here's the deal. Receipt date July 20, 2011 and the priority date is July18, 2011. I just mailed my application a month ago. Isn't this the phase where I need to wait 3-6 months before it gets approved? I'm super happy but confused at the same time.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-08-10 21:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC correspondence wait time

Hello all.....

So I received my NOA2's for both forms I filed (I-129f and I-130) last week, Aug 24. I've called the NVC automated line to question the status of their processing but for both EAC #'s it says there is no case in the system. My questions are:

Does NVC give the case number in which I would then track all progress (package sent, interview date, etc...)?

Should I be speaking to a live operator? Will I get more accurate information?


My approval date is August 5th. Until now I've been calling every other day and hope for an update on the automated system. I finally decided to speak with a live operator after listening to other people's advice. And I'll tell you to do the same. Don't just rely on the automated system. Mine still says 'we have no record on your case' but I got an email from them today saying that my petition was received. I was getting so impatient. So I emailed and asked. Even though they didn't give me a specific date they said the petition was received. So I called again to speak to a live person. She was able to tell me the date that the petition was received. My approval date was 8/05 they received it 8/09. I don't have a case number assigned yet but at least I know how long it's been since they received my petition. So it's worth a shot!
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-08-31 15:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWaiting for NVC Case Number

There is no question they have your case, but waiting on the AVR can be frustrating--just call and talk to a real person, and be sure to get your case number and your IIN number--you will need them both. If they say wait 10 - 20 days, ignore it and call again the next day and the next. If your case number is not assigned already, it is very, very close.


WOW it did work! I just called them and spoke with an agent. I don't know why I didn't do that any time sooner. She told me they received my petition August 9th and it normally takes 4-6 weeks to put in the system (what a suprise, right?) She said it's been 3 weeks, I should wait another 2 weeks or so to get a case number assigned. Feeling much better now. Thanks again!
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-08-31 14:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWaiting for NVC Case Number

Yes, call them and ask them. Wow you guys were approved in 18 days. Took us 9 months and 10 days.


Yes it only took 18 days! I couldn't believe my eyes when I got that approval letter in the mail. I feel bad complaining about NVC taking too long when my petition was approved so quick but I'm just impatient like that ya know.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-08-31 14:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWaiting for NVC Case Number

There is no question they have your case, but waiting on the AVR can be frustrating--just call and talk to a real person, and be sure to get your case number and your IIN number--you will need them both. If they say wait 10 - 20 days, ignore it and call again the next day and the next. If your case number is not assigned already, it is very, very close.



Thank you!! You made me feel so good just by saying that it is very close :)
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-08-31 14:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWaiting for NVC Case Number
So, looking at the timeline of all VJ fellows I noticed that there's a specific date when NVC receives the petition. How do I make sure about that. My NOA2 date is August 5th. I've been calling NVC's automated line every single day to get an update. I have not spoken with an agent yet but I sent an email yesterday. And this is what I received back from them.


Dear Sir/Madam:

Your inquiry has been received at the National Visa Center (NVC).


The NVC recently received this petition. The appropriate agent
(applicant, petitioner, or attorney) will receive instructions for the
further processing of this petition within 6 to 8 weeks.


When I try calling them again the automated message still says 'we have no record of your case'. Is this normal? I understand the delay with NVC now and noticed that it took almost a month for a bunch of people just to get a case number. And it's so vague for them to say 10-20 business days or 6-8 weeks for every single inquiry.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-08-31 13:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresnvc said they putting case to their system

for the last 2 weeks that i been calling they keep telling me they just receive our case on august 15 and didnt put in their system yet..and yesterday thats the first time i heard their putting our case to their system the time im talking to that guy..so yeah im praying were near..:)


Looks like they put mine in the system yesterday! I called today and got my case number. From what I've seen on others' timeline as well as mine, it takes about a month give or take to get a case number assigned. You're almost there. I'd wait another week or so. Hope you get lucky soon!
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-07 19:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresnvc said they putting case to their system

hi guys..so i just done calling nvc a few min ago. they a guy i talk w/ told me my case just putting in their system today..so i wonder how long it takes before we can get case no. from the time they put in their system our case?but still i feel happy knowing they putting our case to their system after 3 weeks..:)thanks god..


I guess 'putting in the system' procedure starts as soon as they receive the petition. They received mine on August 9th. I've been calling every other day. Some agents say that it's being put in the system. Some say it's in the process or not put in the system as of yet. Just keep calling. I think we're getting close! Good luck!
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-06 11:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresgot my NVC Case # yayyy
Thank you all! Looks like it'll be a speedy process after this point. Can't wait!
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-09 08:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresgot my NVC Case # yayyy
Finally got it!! Turns out NVC received my petition on Aug 9th, the day before I received my NOA2 in the mail. It was put in the system yesterday Sep 6th. Waiting for the invoices now.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-07 10:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresstapled documents acceptable?

I will be sending I-130 in a couple weeks. I heard somewhere that you should not staple any documents, is this true? Can someone give me some tips on the best way to assemble everything. I also heard the passport pictures should be in plastic baggies... Tips/suggestions? :)


Using paper clips is the best way to go. I suggest you stay away from staples all the time. About the passport photos I used those little bags but not sure it's a requirement. You just gotta make sure everything is neat and easy to go through for the person going through those files.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-09 08:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures864 vs 864EZ
So I'm about to send my AOS package. Thank to all VJ members, I've learned so much about the process. I learned about the 864EZ which I was about to send in but noticed that everybody says that you can't submit the EZ form through self employment. Well I'm not self employed now but I did have my 1099s from back in 2008. Officers will see a loss of -$3K in my tax transcript from 2008 and that was my only source of income back then. My 2010 tax return is above the poverty guidelines with the W2s. I just don't know what the consequences will be with the 1099s from 3 years ago. Should I just not bother and send the regular I-864?
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-12 11:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC

I just called. They told me my case just got there and to call 10 to 15 days later. How can I register to send everything by email

Just keep calling regularly. Once you have a case number available one of those days you call, they will ask if you'd like give any email addresses and receive everything thru emails instead of the regular mail. Mine took almost a month to get to that stage. You need to be patient. Once you have a case number assigned everything will go faster from there.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-15 08:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTranslations

Hello,

Can this translation be done by me here in the States, or should the attatched be with a translater in the home country?


Someone correct me if I'm wrong but from my understanding nobody requires you to go and spend money on translations. They just want a backup saying that the person translating the forms is fluent in both languages. I translated every single thing myself. Marriage certificate, birth certificate etc. And got a friend (I'm not saying go get your buddies to translate! Make sure it looks professional enough.) to double check everything and sign that statement template with his contact information. It worked for me. Hope it does for you as well!
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-15 15:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTranslations
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

uscis

It's a formal letter but why bother with the notario and all the hassle. It can be in plain English signed by her parents. It's not like USCIS will find them and test their English skills to make sure they are the ones writing the affidavit. But it's just my opinion.

And I mean affidavits signed by her parents in English. I'm not saying go make them translate anything :)

Edited by maviboran, 15 September 2011 - 11:04 AM.

maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-15 11:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice clearance in Istanbul

my husband needs the police clearance but I don't know where he can go to get the papers. He lives in Istanbul.Can someone help me. Thank you


Kevin is right. Watch out for the archive records. I didn't care about it when I asked my wife then realized that nvc is pretty serious about these instructions. She just paid 100 bucks to dhl for express mail! It takes 5 minutes to get it in Istanbul so don't stress too much. Send this link to your hubby. where to get police record in Istanbul

"Police certificates from Turkey are known as "ARSIV KAYITLI ADLI SICIL KAYDI". It is mandatory that they come with the archive records.
When requesting the police certificate (adli sicil kaydi), applicants must specifically request that both the current and archived records be shown on the document. The report will indicate the presence of a criminal record even if the convicted person was released after completing the sentence or was pardoned by an amnesty. The document lists each section of the conviction and sentence. Crimes are supposed to be entered into the system within three days of conviction. For crimes of moral turpitude, records for crimes committed by children between 11-14 years old are purged in 2-5 years; crimes by children between 15-18 are purged in 5-10 years; crimes committed by adults are purged in 5-10 years. Multiple crimes are not purged."

civil docs for Turkey
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-16 12:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDs-3032 Turkey

I was reading that NVC does not accept Ds-3032 via email from Turkey.

I don't know where you read that but they accepted mine. Remember to send it from his email when that time comes.

Dear Sir/Madam:

Your inquiry has been received at the National Visa Center (NVC).

We received the principal applicant's DS-3032 (Choice of Address and Agent) form designating an address and agent. Instructions for paying the immigrant visa application processing fee and all future correspondence will be sent to the agent at the address selected on the DS-3032.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-16 14:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresINTERNATIONAL DRIVER LICENSE

Thank you so much with your reply.How long can you drive with turkish license 6 months or more? Did you needed to have your social security number and green card for a permit test? How long did it take you to obtain those since you enter states? Thanx

I want to say about a month for me to get everything in hand. If he doesn't want to wait that long he'll end up using his old license. Check out this link for Massachusetts Again I'm just going by my experiences in my state.

"Although some countries require a foreign motorist to possess an IDP, the United States has not done so. It is suggested, however, that he/she carry an IDP if the foreign license is NOT printed in the English language."
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-17 23:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresINTERNATIONAL DRIVER LICENSE

So are you saying all he needs to bring with him to States his current driver license and carry his passport with him when he drives? If he stopped by police for check it all would be valid with no problem? Should he even bother to try obtain international driver license from his country then? I'm just trying to avoid any legal issues. I know he will be able to get american license but it will probably takes some time and he wants to be able to drive right away. Thank you

His Turkish license is in English anyway. Double check with him if you don't believe me. I have one in my hand too :) I'm not saying that international permits do not exist. I'm just saying that more than half of the officers don't even know anything about them. Say he gets pulled over, he'll hand in his Turkish license with a stamped passport. He is fine as long as his passport has some type of a stamp. And yes you're technically supposed to get your license right away since you're a resident of the state now but how many of those cops you think will know the difference in visa types on your passport or even bother to ask? If he's really concerned about this show him this link turing I personally think it's not worth the money. The easiest way is to get a license from your state. I went in and took my written test which took 15 min and no need to wait for an appointment. It's also available in Turkish depending on where you're from. You should double check. And I took my road test the week after that. Do some research. I'm just saying I didn't have any problems. Oh and I also did not have any problems renting from Hertz and Enterprise. I did not have such thing called an international permit. Maybe you can check with them. They should know more about the law.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-17 23:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresINTERNATIONAL DRIVER LICENSE

Where to obtain an international driver license? My husband will be coming next month from Antalya, Turkey. I read somewhere if he brings his valid driver license, he will also need to obtain international driver license from his country. My question is, where can he get it? Is it possible to obtain it here in States, or he must bring it with him? And how long is that valid? Thank you


That whole international drivers permit is just a scam. The license that they give you is useless. It doesn't even look professional. Try handing that to a state trooper and see what happens. How do I know? My friends got those international licenses without even sending the proof that they actually hold a current license from back home. Search anywhere you want. The rule is his Turkish license will be valid for 6 months as long as he carries his passport on him. It's not even worth the effort now when he can just go apply for a license once he becomes a resident.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-17 22:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAlmost done with the AOS Package

Yes, no need for state returns. 2008 & 2009 tax returns are optional and hence you are fine. If your 2010 and current pay is good, you are fine. No need of employment letter, if you are inculding pay stubs. I think you are fine - just remember to write your NVC Case number on all the pages at the top-right corner and staple all apges with the Cover sheet with bar code on the top (no need to write the Case number on this page - it has it). all the best.


Thank you NavyK! You've been a great resource!
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-14 10:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAlmost done with the AOS Package
Thanks a bunch Saylin!!!
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-13 23:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAlmost done with the AOS Package
Hi all,

So I'm putting together the 864 package together. One thing I learned from the advice of others' on this site is to double check everything. So I'm hoping that someone out there will help me verify before I seal the envelope. :)

Barcoded Cover Sheet
My own cover sheet
Dated, signed 864 form.
Last year's 1040 with a copy of W2s. (No need to send any state related schedules/forms, right?) I'm not including any transcripts from two previous years since they are below the poverty lines and won't help me out at all. Especially in 2008 I have a loss listed in Question 25 for (-$1,365). I hope this won't get me in any sort of a delay. I know they mainly look at the most current year but I don't know what will they say once they look at it as $20K in 2010, $7K in 2009 and -$1,365 in 2008. Is it something I should worry about?
Copy of paystubs for the last six months It's a pain in the neck to get an employment letter for me. My company works with theworknumber.com so my manager is giving me a hard time with the letter. Hoping it won't be an issue.

Am I missing anything?
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-13 20:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat documents for NVC need bee original, which can be copies?
check out this link originals and this Philippines

Marriage certificate, birth certificate, police records need to be original. And you submit a copy of her passport's bio page. Everyone feel free to add on to the list if I'm missing anything or if there's any country specific requirements that I did not notice.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-27 16:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC PROCEEDING #2

I just called NVC they just gave me an ANK #. It is in their system? It is what I was waiting for? It is ok to start sending the AOS or should I wait


There you go! That's what you've been waiting for. That's your case number. I don't think you can send anything yet. Wait a day or two for the invoices to be generated. Did you give them your emails? That'll make everything much easier. You should get your AOS bill real soon. Pay that and send everything off once you got the package ready. You'll notice that it's going to speed up everything.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-28 08:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice certificate needed or not?

Hmm,, I resided in the US on J1 visa for an exchange student program ...
it was not my legal residence, yet I stayed there for over 6 months ...
I didnt get a police certificate for that, i wouldnt even know how...

Also, didnt get an RFE for it, yet a Case Complete on Sept 21st + interview date November 8th...

Should I get worried now?


I'm on the same boat with you. My wife was here on F1 visa. She stayed for 9 months. We did not even bother with it. That's what the instructions clearly said. And nobody asked for it.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-10-01 13:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice certificate needed or not?
I thought the instructions said that you need the record if you lived in a different country for more than 12 months. Isn't that supposed to mean 12 consecutive months? If so this wouldn't apply to you. Somebody please jump in if I'm not right.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-10-01 12:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Scheduled!
Just got the good news from NVC. I've been reading every single topic I can find here about the scheduling. The majority said it's usually the second week of the month. That's what the NVC kept telling me but they just scheduled it today for 11/29 which is also her birthday :) Thanks for all the help VJ!

Edited by maviboran, 03 October 2011 - 12:13 PM.

maviboranMaleTurkey2011-10-03 12:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview in Ankara, Turkey

Congrats :dance:



Wow that's great!!! We're waiting to hear our interview date. Good to see another happy Turk story :)


Thank you guys!!!
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-11-30 00:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview in Ankara, Turkey
I know some of you guys have been waiting to hear from me. Today was the day. She did get her approval. :dance: I couldn't get every single detail. It's been a crazy day at work but long story short she told me that she was out in 15 minutes. She was asked proof of ongoing relationship and she handed them the chat logs, email etc along with the pictures. She said the officer was really nice and the only question he asked her was 'what do you guys have in common with your husband?'. They wanted to see the copy my 2010 tax return and the officer said 'your visa is approved.' From what I know it was as simple as that. She got a text message from UPS saying that they picked up her package from the embassy so she should have her passport tomorrow. I will fill in with more details once I get more time...
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-11-29 23:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures1-864 & required NVC docs question

I have few questions about filling out the 1-864:
1) If my income is over the required '125% over poverty line' amount, do I need to include assets such as home, bank account and other investments?
2) What exactly do they mean when they say 3 years of tax information? Can I send in a copy of my tax returns for the past 3 years?


No you shouldn't worry about the assets as long as you meet the income requirements. You will need your adjusted gross income off of your 1040. But they don't require you to send it all in. You just send the most recent year and you just enter the numbers from the last 3 years while filling out the form.
maviboranMaleTurkey2012-03-27 11:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 Educational Institutions
I remember calling NVC for this. I spoke to two different people but none of them had clear answers. They just said if you need extra space use a seperate sheet. I was thinking to myself what's the point of the elementary school, middle school etc. The description is vague. It says all educational institutions but nobody knows for sure if it's necessary. If you're planning on going by others' experiences add me on that list. I listed high school, college only.
maviboranMaleTurkey2011-09-30 12:34:00