ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC now requiring photocopies as well? DS-230
QUOTE (Roserick @ Dec 3 2007, 01:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (davejaz42107 @ Dec 3 2007, 12:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Alright, silly and redunant as it seems, I will follow instructions per NVC. I will have an original AND photocopy of each document requested sent to them with the other info..(save for the passport) can't send the original there wink.gif


Do we have to Photocopy and duplicate the DS230 forms as well? Or just the supporting documents?


Your Welcome DJturbo.. good.gif



No Roserick,

Per the website, you need only send photo copies of the supporting documents. The original DS-230 is fine. Although if you're an organizational freak like me you might make a copy of it just in case good.gif
davejaz42107MalePhilippines2007-12-03 13:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC now requiring photocopies as well? DS-230
Alright, silly and redunant as it seems, I will follow instructions per NVC. I will have an original AND photocopy of each document requested sent to them with the other info..(save for the passport) can't send the original there wink.gif
davejaz42107MalePhilippines2007-12-03 12:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC now requiring photocopies as well? DS-230
Thank you all for you input. Should I take it that I should indeed send duplicates (one original or cerified and one photocopy) of the documents to NVC, per website request or I am still totally reading it wrong?
davejaz42107MalePhilippines2007-12-03 12:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresno enough evidence
You could tell your husband to send you his monthly phone bills. Since you called from phillippines to usa.
Those phone bill statements would show the country name on them even you used phone cards.
I ever had the same situation like yours.
They didn't accept those phone cards because they didn't show phone number details.
WenRINot TellingTaiwan2008-02-23 14:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal Divorce papers

Original Decrees reside at the Courthouse forever and ever. You may never have the Original.

Original Certified Copies are issued when you are divorced and or request a new one (for a nominal fee) (This would be the copy with the seal affixed to it) If I remember correct I was charged a whopping 25 cents for the "Original Certified Copies" I requested.

Photocopies of certified copies are typically accepted at the petition stage and at the interview level they typically want to see the Original Certified Copy (the one with the gold seal affixed).

Its easy to get confused about "copies". An Original Certified Copy is in fact a photo copy provided by the courthouse but in addition it is "certified" by affixing the gold seal and stamping the official impression onto it.


Yeah, I am in the process of filing my initial 129F and when my atty reviewed my package he warned me that my divorce doc photocopy wasn't likely going to pass muster. Glad to know that, I also live states away from there and many moons, so am anxiously awaiting a copy in the mail from the county clerk in the court/city where it was filed.

So at least I'll have my proper divorce docs and that won't hold us up later.
pgbeau1MaleDominican Republic2010-02-24 12:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarch 2008 I-130 Filers?
Congrats phillyfashionista! There is light at the end of the tunnel!

I just got in with a NOA1 date of March 31 at the VSC... still waiting.

This may be a dumb question, but how do I know my case has (or hasn't) been touched? I check my case online at https://egov.uscis.gov and all it ever says is "Current Status: Case received and pending." I vaguely recall signing up for the email updates, but I haven't gotten any.
jeepcomaMaleAustralia2008-10-05 11:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarch 2008 VSC filer ---> transferred to CSC Nov 5
We got the same letter today. NOA1 was March 31 2008 @ VSC, transferred to CSC on Nov 5. Still no update at the online case status, last update has been April 3 since the very beginning.

Hope the NOA2 comes soon.
jeepcomaMaleAustralia2008-11-10 19:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTravelling to USA while waiting for NOA2
My wife just arrived for the holidays, we're at the NOA1 stage still. This is her second trip to the states while waiting for our conditional permanent residency. Both trips were just on a regular 90 day tourist visa granted at the POE. She came via LA from Sydney (not that it helps you).

The first time, we had a whole bunch of supporting documentation to prove she was returning beyond a return ticket, like a doctor's appointment and a letter from her employer. This time we had much less, but the customs agent didn't even ask anything.

Good luck!
jeepcomaMaleAustralia2008-11-10 19:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC Move
Frustration here too from a March NOA1 @ VSC. Transferred to CSC in November... how much more waiting?
jeepcomaMaleAustralia2008-12-04 23:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures2008 March/April/May Filers
Aman have faith! I just checked my case online and I have been APPROVED as of today!! I checked yesterday while I was at work and saw my first touch since transfer, it was updated Dec 10, but the same status as pending. This morning when I checked my email, lo and behold I had approval notice!!

Light at the end of the tunnel!
jeepcomaMaleAustralia2008-12-11 08:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy immigration questions
Already done. I'll post the reply I get whenever it comes. Thanks so far!
jeepcomaMaleAustralia2008-02-18 14:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy immigration questions
I read that too and I'm somewhat confused, because I have read that you can just fly into Sydney and do DCF. This petition filing form lists all the documentation you need to bring with you, nowhere does it say anything about residence requirements or proving where you live. You just have to show up in person to do it.

From the DCF forum section of this site:
QUOTE
Q:Is there any residency requirement for a U.S.C to file DCF in Australia?

A:None, one of very few where the U.S.C. can just fly into Australia and file DCF HOWEVER...it is strongly suggested that as soon as the USC arrives in Australia or even before they arrive by sending in your DS 230 part 1 &2 to open up your case and get a case number (which is explained more below) which you send in with your DS-2001(which is the letter stating you are ready for an interview) or walk in on a thursday( They do walk-ins on Thursdays only) because you never know how long the U.S.C. will be admitted into Australia for. The sooner the better to have enough time to accomplish everything for the DCF process.


Now I understand that some things have changed, but I've read through the whole thread and I don't remember reading about the residency requirement changing (I could have forgotten and will reread it all after I post this).

From ***removed***, an unsourced statement that "Australia allows DCF even if the US citizen is not resident of Australia."

I'm going to keep looking for solid facts. Perhaps a phone call or email will help clear things for sure.
jeepcomaMaleAustralia2008-02-18 13:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy immigration questions
From what I understand about the DCF after reading the guide on this site, the us embassy website, and the US consular services of Australia website, you do not need to live in Australia to file with DCF. You just have to be there. Would this not be the fastest overall option to getting CPR status?
jeepcomaMaleAustralia2008-02-18 12:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy immigration questions
Hey everyone, I'm a new member here, my name is Jon (US) and I'm married to Jaimie (Australian) but I've been doing a lot of reading about all the visa options available to me. As I'm sure you know it can be a bit overwhelming at times so I'm hoping to write out my plan of action and hopefully get some feedback so I know I'm on the right course before I submit anything.

I'm a US citizen, currently in the US. I just got back Feb 11 after three months in Australia where I married by Australian citizen wife on Jan 26. I would have liked to have done direct consular filing, but due to time constraints it was not possible. Right now we are waiting for her to receive the official state issued marriage certificate so we can proceed to the next step, but their office currently has a processing time of 21+ days (usually supposed to take 3). So we're trying to use the time wisely and figure out all our possible options and what the best way to proceed is.

It looks like I have three options for getting her conditional permanent resident status.
1) Remain in the US and file the I-130 for IR-1/CR-1 procedure
2) Same as #1, also file I-129F for K-3
3) Return to Australia and file with the Direct Consulate Filing option

And of course in the meantime, before she is granted CPR status, we'd like to be together as much as possible.

From what I have been reading about prices, time lines, and results, I'm not going to bother with the I-129F; there doesn't seem to be much point in going this route as there seems to be only about a month difference between the I-129F being finished and the I-130, then we'd have more fees and paperwork to go through.

The DCF seems to be the fastest and easiest method start to finish, taking only about three months start to finish if I understand correctly. This would require me to return to Australia, up to 90 days on the visa waiver program, email the consulate, set up an appointment, and file the I-130 in person. After that, I could return to the US and only she would need to go back to the consulate for the final interview? Alternatively, I get a job here (I've been out of work because I just graduated college and I've been in Australia for six months out of the past year, and under the WVP I can't work in Oz, so finding work has been difficult), will have my dad be my financial sponsor (otherwise I'll have to wait for three pay stubs to prove income 125% above poverty level) to file the I-130, and wait for approval. Now, as far as I can understand, it'll take a bit less than a year from the day I mail the I-130 in until she gets her visa stamp at the US consulate in Sydney, correct? But I've been doing a lot of research and it appears there should be no difficulty in her coming to visit me in the US under the WVP; as long as we can prove she does not intend to stay longer than 90 days, which we should be able to do by showing a return ticket and other documentation that requires her presence in Australia (although the ticket should be enough proof in most cases). To be honest, I don't mind waiting a year for her to get conditional residence IF she can come and visit for three months at a time. I don't care about paying for plane tickets either, as I'm sure you can imagine we just want to be together smile.gif But, if you think it's a huge risk for her to come visit on the WVP while the I-130 is pending, is a return trip to do DCF my best option? And of course, while the I-130 is pending there is nothing barring me from visiting in Australia?

Thanks in advance for any help, I've already gotten tons of information from this site. If only this procedure were simple!
jeepcomaMaleAustralia2008-02-18 11:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife Traveling to America to visit
I've been looking into the same thing, only whether or not it will be possible for my wife to visit under the Visa Waiver Program (US-Australia, but I see Japan is also on the list) while my I-130 is pending. From what I can tell you shouldn't have any problems, you just have to prove that the purpose of the trip is not immigration. As such, you need proof that she'll be returning home, which usually means a plane ticket home is enough. Other documents might be a letter from her employer that she's to return to work, a doctor's appointment, or anything which would indicate she'd need to leave the US. From the CBP.gov website:

QUOTE
Q: Who Is Eligible to Use the VWP?
A: To qualify for the VWP, you must:

* Intend to enter the United States for 90 days or less;
* Have a passport lawfully issued to you by a VWP country that is valid for six months beyond your intended visit;
* Be a national of the VWP country that issued your passport;
* Have been checked using an automated electronic database containing information about inadmissible aliens to the United States;
* Have a return trip ticket to any foreign destination other than a territory bordering on the United States or an adjacent island unless:

1. You are a resident of an adjacent island,
2. This requirement is waived by the Attorney General under regulations, or
3. You are a visitor for business who arrives aboard a private aircraft that maintains a valid agreement guaranteeing to transport you out of the United States, if you are found to be inadmissible or deportable;

* Present to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer a completed and signed Form I-94W, Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Form. ( Visa Waiver Program Applicant Responsibilities )
* Not pose a safety threat to the United States;
* Not have failed to comply with the conditions of any previous admission under the Visa Waiver Program;
* If arriving by air or sea, you must arrive aboard a carrier that signed an agreement, "signatory carrier", guaranteeing to transport you out of the United States if you are found to be inadmissible or deportable;
* Convince the examining CBP officer that you are clearly and beyond a doubt entitled to be admitted and that you are not inadmissible under section 212 of the Act. For reasons that would make you inadmissible, please see the Immigration and Nationality Act at INA § 212 (a);
* Waive any right to review or appeal a CBP officer's decision as to your admissibility, other than on the basis of an application for asylum or an application for withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; and
* Waive any right to challenge your removal, other than on the basis of an application for asylum or an application for withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.


Nowhere does it state anything about marriage or pending petitions. I suggest reading the site yourself.

Customs and Border Patrol
Visa Waiver Program
jeepcomaMaleAustralia2008-02-18 13:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThe wait is over! Visa approved!
Thanks everyone!

QUOTE (mrsemcee @ Jul 4 2009, 12:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
wow congrats! i hope that you have a safe flight.

being from australia as well, i must say, i hope mine doesnt take as long as yours did.. but anyway, all the best biggrin.gif


You probably won't seeing as you're being served by the CSC instead of the VSC (although I haven't been keeping track of processing times since our case left NVC). We waited 8 months and absolutely nothing happened at the VSC, then we were transferred to the CSC and our case was completed in just a few weeks there. The whole process would have been reasonable if not for that long delay.

Best of luck to you!
jeepcomaMaleAustralia2009-07-04 20:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThe wait is over! Visa approved!
From our NOA1 on March 31, 2008, it's been a long road, but we received our visa in the mail June 25, 2009! I was able to attend the interview in person, since I had some time off from work I was able to plan a vacation to be with my wife for the interview.

The interview was on the 23rd at the Sydney consulate, it was pretty uneventful, the whole process took about an hour which included security checks, waiting for those ahead of us, and maybe about 10 minutes total talking to two different people. The first was a lady who went through our paperwork and verified that we had everything we needed, then we took a seat again and had to wait to be called up to the actual guy doing the interview, which was only about five minutes. He asked us a few basic questions about when and how long ago we met, what I was doing, and when she planned on leaving for the US. That was pretty much it, we were approved and got the passport (and a mysterious sealed envelope) back in the mail two days later. Everyone was nice at the consulate, it was basically just a trip to the DMV but less rude and shorter lines.

Thanks for all the help and support at VJ, searching the forums answered most of our questions before we even needed to ask.
jeepcomaMaleAustralia2009-07-03 19:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
I cannot believe it's been a year!!!!!! wow. so grateful for all the help in the last 12 months and wishing nothing but sunshine and smooth sailing upon all the couples on this board!!!!!!! :dance:
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-09-02 10:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
I finally managed to get my password all set so i could stop by and check on everyone's progress. Is EVERYONE approved? i really, really hope so. I am writing to you as a MRS.!!!! I cannot believe that this process can actually move along.

I am so grateful to everyone here for the endless supply of moral support and advice. it takes a strong group of people to love someone from a distance and keep loving them no matter what red tape they have to cut through.

It can happen! We are the American dream!! Keep strong everyone, our AOS is being mailed out tomorrow!!!!
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-08-01 15:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
The consulate said that our visa should have arrived on Monday via aramex. Grrr it's wednesday and no sign! I feel bad that i keep bombarding them with emails but we can't do anything until he has it in hand! Is there any part of this process that goes smoothly?
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-05-18 06:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
come on guys! let's rally!!!

does someone more skilled with message boards want to update our statuses? haha

I wanna have a countdown til when everyone on here has visa in hand!

come on guys! let's rally!!!

does someone more skilled with message boards want to update our statuses? haha

I wanna have a countdown til when everyone on here has visa in hand!
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-05-11 08:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
the embassy emailed and said we did get approved, i was just worried because they kept his passport at the interview because he already had a visitor's visa and they didn't want him leaving the country while this visa was pending. he left it as collaterol so they wouldn't cancel the visitor's visa. He promised he would stay put.
Now we have this fiance visa, the one we had our hearts set on, but we are awaiting delivery from Aramex and have no idea how long that will take.
I am just beside myself with nerves and happiness that he will get to come to my bridal shower and meet my family ahead of the actual wedding!

We couldn't have gotten this far without the help on this forum and visajourney as a whole. You guys are so great! I am wishing only the best and fastest reunion for all of you!
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-05-10 11:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
I have a question, what do you think it means when they changed our status to "please submit passport" when they already are holding on to his passport? do you think we are approved? It hasn't said this until today.
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-05-08 10:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
oh my goodness, i am so grateful that you and your loved ones are safe. Take care!
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-04-29 15:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
so. stuck in AP for at least a month, but thankful that the guy at the window said it was likely that we'll get approved.

who else has had interviews?? anyone else in AP?

so. stuck in AP for at least a month, but thankful that the guy at the window said it was likely that we'll get approved.

who else has had interviews?? anyone else in AP?
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-04-28 11:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
cannot believe how nervous I am. He had his interview this morning and I didn't want to know the outcome before i went to work. so im sitting at my desk figeting and praying really really hard!

setl;kjel;jtel;jtl;ekjtojwaltkjekl te;lekjl i cannot remember being this nervous. :help:
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-04-25 09:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
glad to see most people are having luck! Our interview is next Monday, the day after Easter! we are freaking out! I am so happy that some of us will be reunited soon!
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-04-18 12:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
how do you know you received packet three? does it come in the mail to the petitioner or the beneficiary?
what happens if the mail system is a bit funky?
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-03-25 10:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
congrats! keep them coming VSC!
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-03-24 08:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
i don't understand how they decide which petitions to approve in which order. i had my approval on march 14th and my noa1 on sept 21, now i see people from sept 23 haven't had their noa2s yet? what sense does that make?
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-03-23 11:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
yay! congrattttts!
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-03-21 08:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers

I don't know how your police certificate will come worded, but so long as you have no criminal history in England it will come back as "No Trace".
Different countries police certificates may come worded differently


this might be a stupid question, but my panic was about the fact that i don't understand how to get a police certificate.
and when? :wacko:
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-03-16 21:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
i'm getting a bit panicky reading some of the timelines on here because i seem a bit lost as far as what to do now, it seems that some of you have additional steps such as a "no trace" from a police report? i can't find any info on that on the guides on here. ruh roh!

i'm just panicked that we will eventually go to our interview and they will say, how could you have missed such obvious steps?

is anyone else having a panic attack that maybe the I-129F application was the easy part??
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-03-16 08:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
even though Ali and I have reached the next hurdle, don't think for a second we have forgotten about our fellow Sept. Filers, I am still rooting for you guys and checking your progress as well. I will not rest until we all have our alien-cutie pies at home with us!
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-03-15 10:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
omg i completely forgot. doing that now!


thanks guys, the support is so fabulous on here!
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-03-14 11:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
i squealed!!! and then jumped up and down...even though i'm the secretary and it looks like i have issues lol

and i broke out ina hive on my face i think from nerves lol and then i called my mom and emailed ali and no one has answered!!!!

keep the faith guys, i wasn't expecting this for another week!
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-03-14 09:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL WE GOT OUR NOA2 10 MINUTES AGO.
I almost threw up, im sitting at my desk at work and i want to run around outside and scream! i have not been this happy since I was in Jordan with my babe.

DREAMS DO COME TRUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-03-14 09:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
seems that at least on igor's list people are advancing. that's my last shred of hope...the only other thing that is keeping me going is that the weather is improving here and the winter blues seem to be fading.
come on sunshine!
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-03-13 13:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
my prayers are with anyone on this forum with loved ones in any of the effected regions today. God bless you.
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-03-11 09:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2010 K1 Filers
im confused, ive been set up for email and text alerts since day one and have never received an email about anything, especially storms. ruh roh :P
Anna and AliFemaleJordan2011-03-07 18:15:00