Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Police Clearance Help	QUOTE (brnidokiegurl @ Oct 11 2008, 03:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Here when we send people to get record checks (i work for government agency) to up date their arrest record the(local city county) agency will look if they find nothing they usually give a paper that says persons arrest records were check between X time to x time and no records were found, guess thats not really telling you anything new but cant they just issue the same type statement You would think they would just issue the same type of statement, I'm just getting the impression they don't want to. I'm not sure how well his brother is explaining the situation, but it seems to be really straight forward. They should just be able to run his name with dates, and generate a report that says nothing. Done. Simple. Perhaps if he went and didn't say that he was undocumented, maybe they would run for him- they might just not want to help because he was undocumented.	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-10-11 16:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Police Clearance Help	Hi all, My husband lived undocumented in Italy for about 2 yrs. We left, his passport was stamped, and he is now in his home country. He has never committed any crime. He received his police clearance for his home country, but when he had his brother go to the office in Italy to request any kind of clearance (even though he is of course not in the system), they told him that they couldn't give him anything, because there was nothing in the system, and no record of my husband (obviously). His brother tried two places. He's going to try again, but I'm freaking out, because this is a requirement, and I'm not sure what to do. Do you think the Italian consulate in Albania would be more helpful? If his brother just can't get anything, any thoughts on what we can do, or what to expect? Any advice or similar experiences?? Thank you, lindsay	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-10-11 16:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	NVC Complete!	Hi all, I called NVC tonight, and our case is complete at NVC! No RFE's. Apparently the interviews are booked for December in Albania (I figured), so we're hoping for January. You know, it doesn't make any sense why the consulate wouldn't just book the next available, rather than the NVC calling every month! So happy... plus, I'm flying to him on Friday and we will have until the 30th together! It's been 6 months since we've seen each other! Stay hopefull all. lindsay	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-11-19 22:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Wife still hasnt received her packets from the embassy..	QUOTE (Shpati_Argjira @ Dec 17 2008, 10:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Lindsay G @ Dec 17 2008, 11:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (cindishah @ Dec 17 2008, 09:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Make appt, bring her id and get her shots you, have a beer and chillax My husband still hasn't received the interview letter from NVC- I did about 2 weeks ago. I just printed off the medical info for Albania (which requires 2 appts, a passport style photo, immun records) and sent a copy of the interview letter to him directly- hopefully my mail will get to him! I think packet 3/4 are for those posts who don't have the NVC collect the info for them. We had to send everything into the NVC- essentially packets 3/4 I believe. Did you get the check-list of the received documents on your letter from the NVC? There's a legend that lets you know if any documents are required for the interview? Yeah I've got the check-list received by the NVC everythings fine nothing missing, I no longer have those copies I sent everything back in Kosova. She got her interview letter yesterday though, and everything I've filed and sent to NVC she has...so shouldnt be any problems. She doesnt have her immunization records I guess she'll have to get them done when she goes to the doctor. If there's any way she can get the records, it'll save her money. My husband didn't have his, so he went to the..err, I guess like the Public Health Department, and they had everything from his school when he was little. He just had to get it stamped with something for verification. At any rate, congrats on the interview (finally!)... and best of luck! GO BALKANS	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-12-17 23:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Wife still hasnt received her packets from the embassy..	QUOTE (cindishah @ Dec 17 2008, 09:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Make appt, bring her id and get her shots you, have a beer and chillax My husband still hasn't received the interview letter from NVC- I did about 2 weeks ago. I just printed off the medical info for Albania (which requires 2 appts, a passport style photo, immun records) and sent a copy of the interview letter to him directly- hopefully my mail will get to him! I think packet 3/4 are for those posts who don't have the NVC collect the info for them. We had to send everything into the NVC- essentially packets 3/4 I believe. Did you get the check-list of the received documents on your letter from the NVC? There's a legend that lets you know if any documents are required for the interview?	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-12-17 23:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I just read	QUOTE (MrsRowe @ Dec 17 2008, 12:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I cannot believe this. You all just have to read it. Some of you might have already seen it. http://www.visajourn...howtopic=136611 I can't believe I just spent 15 minutes of my life waiting to find out what happened to the lady from Baranquilla.... An eye infection? SNL style- Really.... really? Really?	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-12-17 23:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	lost documents with I-130	QUOTE (patita @ Dec 19 2008, 04:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Svetlana @ Dec 19 2008, 11:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I am positive that tourist visa has nothing to do with your immigration. US Embassy must be sure that you will be back. So you have to "leave" at your country child, good job,house, money, passport with other visas... child - not yet good job - yes money - it depends what is good money nowadays passpoert with other visas - what do u mean ? should i get a new passport? i've been in the US 3 times - they will see it in the computer From what I've read, it's pretty challenging to get a tourist visa while there is a petition out there- you can adjust status if you come, and the consular officers often deny visitor's visas because of this... I don't think it would hurt to try, though.	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-12-19 20:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	After POE- Wanting to Prepare	QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Dec 23 2008, 07:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Will get an I-551 stamp at POE this equals a green-card. SSN card and green-card should arrive in the mail. If SSN card fails to show up within 30 days after entry, go to SSA office and order one. I-551 allows work and re-entry from abroad, it is green-card. Green-card is permanent residence. It will have a condition attached that will need an I-751 filed to remove within 90 days of the 2 year green-card's expiration. Thank you! So he can apply for work and travel with just the I-551 stamp as he is waiting for the SSN card & actual green card? Excellent.	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-12-23 20:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	After POE- Wanting to Prepare	Hi all, Ok, so I've looked around the site for information, but I couldn't find anything in particular to CR1 visa. My husband will hopefully be coming in Feb. On the DS 230, "yes" was marked for social security card, but how does he receive it? Does it just come in the mail after POE, or do we have to go the local office and request? I understand he'll get a 551 (?) stamp in his passport upon POE; does this enable him to work right away? Does he have to wait for his social security card before he can work? (I feel dumb not knowing this!) Another very stupid clarification: "green card" is the same as "legal permanent resident", correct? And does this just come to him automatically after POE, or do we need to do something to obtain it? Ok, so I'm basically in need of an After POE guide for CR1! If there's somethng out there, please point me in the right direction! Happy Holidays!	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-12-23 20:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	affidavit of support	QUOTE (kanna04 @ Dec 28 2008, 06:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> hallo friends.... I mailed my affidavit of support last wednesday...i went to the immigration agency(not lawyer) paid them $50 they typed and put documents needed in a cirtified mail.. 1) they didnt include my pay stubs..i asked them but told me not needed..cuz i already have my job letter saying how much i make. 2) they didnt include co-sponsor(my father)..asked them..they said..not need cuz i make more than the poverty line...i can support for 2 peoples 3) Only put my last tax return...they didnt put the last three tax return. is it ok that they didnt include all these....is it goin to make RFE.... 1) wat next...after sending AOS...wat do i do now...i have all the original document with me like marriage certificat,birth certificate...except police and passport certificate with me now..i will get it here on jan 1st. can i send it without police cert and passo verification....is it ok... thankyou soo much I wouldn't worry- sounds like they had you send in all you need. You don't have to send in pay stubs; I did just for extra evidence, but it's not a requirement. If you make enough to support your household with no anticipated changes that the consulate will see, then it's a good idea that you didn't have your father co-sponsor- why make a legally binding document when it is not necessary? I grappled with that too, and I chose not to. My AOS went through with no RFE's. You're only required to provide the last year of tax information. I sent in all last 3 years of Tax Transcripts, but I just did overkill. Read the guides on this website to learn the NVC steps. You'll need those next documents for the DS-230. Hope this helps.	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-12-28 11:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview Q-Pay anything?	QUOTE (yasser ezz @ Dec 28 2008, 10:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> he will pay for DHL only ... good luck What is DHL?	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-12-28 12:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview Q-Pay anything?	Hi all, I emailed the Albanian consulate to find out if my husband would be required to pay anything on the day of interview. I explained that I had already paid the NVC fees ($400) for IV and AOS fee. Their response was no, since these fees were already paid. Is this correct? I see on other posts that people are paying at the interview. Thanks!	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-12-28 11:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview 1/29/09 Questions	Hi all, My husband has his interview in Tirana, Albania on 1/29/09 (thank god!). All information was submitted to the NVC, including marriage certificate, birth, police certificates, etc.... we received that check-list letter that came with the appointment letter that stated NVC received everything it needed and all was correct. My question is, if the NVC sends the stuff to the consulate already, will my husband be asked for any of it at the interview? Does he need to get another marriage certificate, and bring another birth certificate? (The police certificates would be just ridiculous to get again...!). I figured he would just bring that check-list to show them everything was submitted already. He's just planning on bringing pics, emails, phone calls, a few letters. Can you guys think of anything else? Thank you!!	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-01-13 20:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Albania Consulate- Interview 1/29/09	QUOTE (Lindsay G @ Jan 17 2009, 09:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (jm&mcs @ Jan 16 2009, 07:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I know for a fact that if I had not been at my husband's interview, he would have been denied!! Why? Ahh... I just read your interview post... I understand.	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-01-17 10:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Albania Consulate- Interview 1/29/09	QUOTE (jm&mcs @ Jan 16 2009, 07:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I know for a fact that if I had not been at my husband's interview, he would have been denied!! Why?	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-01-17 10:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Albania Consulate- Interview 1/29/09	QUOTE (TBoneTX @ Jan 16 2009, 10:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Would you rather INVEST the time & money to be on the consular premises and thereby increase the chances that the visa will be issued, or increase the chance of denial by your NOT being there? Ask yourself this. Does this really increase the chances of immediate approval? How would my being there eliminate what would need to be concrete information that would warrant AP or denial? They cannot just deny or give AP on a suspicion- it has to be justified. I understand that my being there "appears" good, but in what concrete ways would that eliminate any of the problems the consular officer may find that warrants holding the visa? (I don't know what they would find- we have a straight-forward case!) I guess I'm just so disappointed in the system if that would be such a heavy determinate- there is so much evidence and recent visits, and it's not as simple as wanting to be there- I would think they would understand that. What do you guys think about me sending an email to the consulate?	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-01-16 16:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Albania Consulate- Interview 1/29/09	We finally have my husband's interview on 1/29/09! We're both extremely excited to almost be together again, but I am worrying so much that we'll have a problem or they will give him AP or worse. Our case is pretty straight-forward, no concerns, but you never know! My husband spoke with a lawyer who has translated our documents for us, and told her about our interview date. She told my husband that "there's a 90% chance they wont give you your visa right away because you are a man- they wont believe you"...!!!!!!. (there are no problems with our petition or any red flags in my opinion!)....... then told my husband that I really should be present for the interview (at least waiting outside as I can't enter), as they look very favorably on that (which isn't a suprise after spending time on this forum)... I'm freaking out. I don't have time off of work (If they gave me time off, which I think my boss would, I'd probably have to use unpaid). I've been living at home for the last 8 months to save money so we can buy a home sometime in the near future, and am not kean on spending $1000 for a few days. Do you think it is worth it to send an email to the consulate, expressing my desire to be there, but outlining the reasons why I can't? I have sent so much information to my husband, ridiculously organized, with pictures and ticket reciepts... do you think it could really just depend on my being in Albania at his interview time? Silly! I wish I could be there, but my husband can handle this on his own too. Any advice?	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-01-15 18:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Need help my case was transferred	QUOTE (akim14 @ Jan 21 2009, 09:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My case (I130) was transferred I am wondering what is going on. The original service center was VSC now it has been transferred to CSC is that normal, my letter states that records indicate that the CSC office has jurisdiction over the case, is CSC now handling cases from Texas, I need help has this happened to any one lately. Don't wonder why..... it's a good thing it was transferred to CSC, as they are much faster than VSC!	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-01-21 22:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Kinds of Marriage. Confused. :S	QUOTE (Ber + Ter @ Jan 25 2009, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well, I don't think I need affidavits just because we do have enough proof of a bonafide before marriage, and we will have a lot of proof after. We will probably send along letters from our mothers as proof of on-going relationship/marital union. And, people have filed after a month of marriage right? :S I just want the CR-1/IR-1 because it's a better VISA in the end, and I won't have to go through adjusting and ####### >_< Yeah, no problem to file right after the wedding... the sooner the better, right?! you'll gather even more evidence in those 8 months you'll likely wait until the interview anyways! Keep track of your phone calls, etc. Send all you have now, and you'll certainly have more for the interview. My husband's interview is in 2 days (yeah, I'm totally freaking out... ), and I filed just a few weeks after our wedding in May. By the way, our wedding was simple- just us, our two witnesses, and the guy doing the paperwork. My husband and I wanted to have our own night that night- went to a nice dinner; we had a small party at his home with some of his family the next night. That's just how we wanted to do it. My parents were in the states, and my husband and I didn't have any money for anything bigger nor the time to plan something large (I wouldn't want it anyways!). We're going to have a church ceremony and a party for my family this spring... I hope the consulate doesn't have a problem with the way we choose to do it- our relationship is not typical nor traditional, but I wont have my government judging it beyond what is reasonable. At any rate, have your day how you want it. Send us good vibes on Thursday....... Good luck.	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-01-26 23:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview this morning- Need help!	My husband had his interview in Tirana, Albania this morning. He said everything went great and the officer told him that all the paperwork is fine, but that they need "I-864 instead of I-864ez", and that they need another police report from Italy. My husband is going to fax me the paper, so I don't have exactly what the officer wrote... once I get that I will post agian, but please help. Why on earth would they want me to do I-864 instead the I-864ez that was submitted?? The NVC accepted the police report from Italy as meeting post standards- why would they want another one? I'm so confused and frustrated! I emailed the consulate for clarification too. Any thoughts?	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-01-29 10:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	What is required for your CR1 package	QUOTE (Sino-Italiano @ Jan 31 2009, 10:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I guess I am a little confused here. I have been told that I need my wife's police report from her home city. She must also fill out a special tax form so I can claim her on my income taxes since she is not living in the USA. Also do I have to deal with IMBRA? We never used a marrige broker or a translator service all our correspondence has been one on one. We did meet on Asian Friend Finders. Any suggestions on this. She will need police reports... but not until NVC. I suggest you take the time to read the guides here and research so you know the process really well. After you have an understanding of the process from the guides, post questions for clarification.	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-01-31 14:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Inquiries--and temporarily living in Foreign Spouse's Country of Origin..	QUOTE (shoegazer @ Jan 28 2009, 08:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I am just about to mail off the I-130 package. My major concern is that I have been working/living as a foreigner in my spouse's country of origin, as we needed to let some time pass before applying for his Visa because of some things needed to be finished up here (school, car payments, etc.) I have read that you can file for the Visa no problem in this case, I have a friend who is doing the same thing. However, usually the embassy does not take direct filing in this country (they only do interviews here). I was told upon calling that I could just have things mailed to my U.S. Residence/Mailing Address and have the paperwork overnighted to me through secure carrier, no problem. Now I am wondering, what about the interview? I have us down as living together, here, in the biographic information and in the I-130 as residence where you and spouse last resided together. The only thing I am wondering is, will they schedule us both an interview with the U.S. Embassy here in the Dominican Republic? Or will mine be set up in California? Is there a way to ensure that we both get the interview in the spouse's country? I am so confused, and have been sifting through information to see what I could find out. I have heard that it is possible to have your interview in the country of foreign spouse. Anyone have any insights? Are you going for CR1 or IR1 visa? You, the petitioner, is not interviewed for these visas- only the beneficiary. If Dom Rep doesn't do DCF, then you'll have to petition through USCIS. Anyone else going through Dominican- correct me if I am wrong.	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-01-28 09:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	POE Question...	Thanks all for replying... I'm going to tell him not to. I'll bring them back in the future in my checked bags. I appreciate your input! I doubt anything would happen, but I would just want to die if I told him it was ok and then something happened- over stupid Harold and Kumar!!! =)	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-02-27 23:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	POE Question...	Alright... so in Albania, there are stores that sell movies that are clearly ripped- the stores are like Blockbuster, but they are burned movies. My husband has a ton of them, and it'd be great if he could bring them with him, as they have subtitles in his native language. My question is, would this be a problem at the POE? I assume his bags will be searched. Would this be a problem, even though it isn't illegal in his country?? I'm probably just going to tell him to forget it, but perhaps I'm being too paranoid. What do you guys think?	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-02-26 21:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Visa on Friday! Two consulate visits later...	QUOTE (mkg265 @ Feb 27 2009, 02:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Congrats!! Still waiting for my husband's Italian police certificate to send to NVC.... The dang italian police cert.... make sure they give him the correct one... thankfully my husband's brother read it first, as they tried to give him the "penale" one rather than "generale", even though the latter was requested in writing... good luck	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-02-27 23:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Visa on Friday! Two consulate visits later...	Whoa... has your wife had her first medical yet? The first medical must take place two weeks prior to her interview date... exactly two weeks before... then she has to go one week before her interview date... I hope you guys know this. Mail to Albania is... well, simply irritating. Scan and email a copy of the appt letter to her just in case the mail doesn't get to her. Again, I hope your wife went to her first medical today. Email me with any questions!	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-02-26 21:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Visa on Friday! Two consulate visits later...	My husband went back to the consulate this morning to provide them with the additional information requested (221g)... one of which was really random, the other was the wrong police ceritificate from Italy (NVC didn't catch it). The consular office looked at everything quick, then handed my husband a form that said to come back on Friday for the visa... thank god!!! 9 months later... Actually, almost to the day. The best part- I'm hoping to get him on a flight this Sunday, and the first day we'll be able to wake up together here is on my birthday!! Best birthday ever. Some quirks about the consulate: Tirana, Albania. They didn't accept I-864ez. Not sure if it was just mine or in general, but they wanted I-864 even though it was the same info as I put on the ez. Strange, yes; caused delay after first interview, yes. Another quirk: they required everything translated into English, even though the state department website clearly states that if the documents are either in English or the language native to the place of interview, documents do not need to be translated. So... maybe save yourself some headache and get everything translated up front. (We luckily already had everything accept his birth certificate translated). I of course wont feel fully ok until I see him walk out of those doors at O'hare, but all seems fine now. He'll have visa in hand in a day and a half. Yah! Hang in there everyone- this process actually does end someday!	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-02-25 20:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Husband is here!	Hi all, My husband is finally here! He came into Chicago last night with no problems. Security was simple in Chicago- he was with me an hour after he landed. Hang in there everyone- this process will end for you too soon!	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-03-02 10:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Dont want to go to USA	Ok... if your husband abuses you and you are fearful to leave (plus culturally), then why on earth would anyone think it would get better if you went to USA with him? Again, you didn't say much about why you don't want to be with him, but if it's because of abuse, just remember that part of the abuse is isolating and controlling- you'll already be more cut off here, because you may not have family or friends, and you'll be dependent (at least initially) for finances... how will you leave if you need to? There are options, that you should know about right when you do get here if things get bad. There are battered women's shelter's and organizations set up for abuse victims. The consulate will probably be able to give you some resources while you are there if you do take the visa. I have no advice on how to get out of them giving you a visa w/o that reason being documented. Is it possible to talk with a lawyer in Pakistan? Are there social workers there who can help you? Take care of yourself; only you know what is best for your health and what your hopes are for your future life. Perhaps your husand isn't a bad guy and wont do what his father does. Perhaps your relationship will only improve with time and actually living together. Just think long and hard before you do something at the consulate that you may regret- like getting a lifetime ban. Good luck.	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-02-26 00:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Change address?- CRI already here	Sorry, but his is probably the wrong forum.... My husband came here last week- we have moved into a new apartment, so we need to change our address. The USCIS website is really confusing- what do we need to do to change the address? Can we just do it online? Do we have to fill the AR-11 form out? The USCIS website just keeps talking about... if your case is pending, do this.... why does it have to be so cryptic? Any suggestions?	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-03-06 21:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Green Card Received- Filing Taxes- Q	Hi All, I apologize if this is in the wrong forum. My husband is here, and has received his permanent res card. His SSN never came, so we went to the local office today, and it will be at our home in 7-10 days. My question is, how should I file my taxes for 2008? I of course want to get the largest rebate possible. Should I file Married, Joint, and if so, how? Do they just need social security number for my husband? On my paperwork for work, I claimed Single because the form said I had to. I'm confused, and I'm sure this has been addressed before, but I couldn't get a clear answer by going through the forums. Thanks!	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-04-01 18:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	interview question	QUOTE (kmehmood1 @ Apr 1 2009, 06:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> hey! my husbands interview is this month on the 12th and i have alot of questions but remember them one at a time! My question is thay when i sent NVC the ds230 packet i made a photocopy of each document and sent it to my husband, my questions is that is it ok to take the copy of ds230 or does it have to be hand written and not a photocopy? i had this question because he will have to sign the ds230 and i was just curious if its ok if he takes a photocopy instead of a hand written form.... Any sort of help would be appreciated Thanks Khadija The NVC will sent the consulate your packate with the DS230 if they are the scheduling post. The consulate will then have the original at the time of interview, therefore, it's impossible to have two originals so your husband's photocopy is fine (why would he need it, though? Good thing to bring it just in case the consulate didn't receive it, but NVC should have sent you a check-list of items sent to consulate for interview, and what items your husband will need to bring).	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-04-01 18:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-130 filed- K3 much faster?	QUOTE (Haole @ Jun 7 2008, 09:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> "The processing times for the I-130 and I-129F are actually on... the same day... (according to California Service Center processing times posting- they're just doing Nov '07 as of May 15th). " Yeah CSC may approve both at the same time but once they get to NVC things slow down a bit for the I-130 [CR-1] and the I-129F [K3] gets sent to the foreign embassy a lot quicker without the petitioner doing anything. CR/IRs may still take a couple months longer overall but the waiting is worth it as the K3 can be a ###### doing AOS and getting SSN and green card!~ No guarens you'll get the GC in a decent time. Some peeps still waiting after a year. Haole- Thanks for your explanation. I totally agree with you- even though it's so difficult not being together, I would rather have Edi (my husband) be able to arrive more established and have him wait 2-3 mo's to do so. You know, I think it really would just be better for his psyche as well to arrive with the ability to work, with the permanent status (CR until the 2 yr interview), and SS, etc. If we're talkin' 5,6 month difference, then it seems to make more sense to also apply for the K3. But that's only for me... I have to talk to Edi about it... I don't want others to think I'm judging what they're doing or their needs. Another question for anyone else reading this: So I don't mean to whine, because I know most people on here miss their partner desperately... but I'm just wondering if it gets any easier? I mean after the first few initial shock weeks wear off? I left Edi on May 21st, and while I'm doing better than him, it's not getting much easier. He asks me to come back to him almost everyday-which breaks my heart. I thought that maybe we'd fall into a sort of lull where of course we'd miss one another, but that the weeks would go by faster and faster. Perhaps that was just hopeful. Anyways, I'm trying to stay in the US and begin my career in order to have money saved for when we will start our life together (hopefully 12-14 months from now!), but a plane ticket back to Albania and my savings account seems really appealing. Noone understands around me; they just say that I choose this and that I have to start my career, and yes, this is all true. Ahh... ok, I will refrain from going on and on... I think I just needed to vent. Thanks for listening (although... maybe you all stopped reading after I wrote... so I don't mean to whine... =) Night all.	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-06-07 22:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-130 filed- K3 much faster?	Hello everyone, I'm new here, and just filed I-130 for my wonderful husband living in Albania. This website is fantastic, and has really guided me throughout the initial and confusing process! I do have a question regarding the applicability of the K3 Visa. I hope some of you may be able to shed some light for me. So from what I understand (and what my lawyer explained to me), was that the K3 visa was developed for spouses as a means of speeding up family unity since the I-130's used to take so long and were the only option. My lawyer told me that the K3, a few years ago, was a much faster way to unite (she said as little as 3-4 months), however, it appears that this Visa is really not that much faster than waiting for the I-130 process to c omplete. The processing times for the I-130 and I-129F are actually on... the same day... (according to California Service Center processing times posting- they're just doing Nov '07 as of May 15th). Ideally my husband will come here via the I-130 visa, since then he will be able to work right away. I think this would be good for him to be able to come here and begin our life together right away in that regard. Plus, the K3 is quite a bit more expensive at the end of the day (about $1,000). I do know I can abandon the K3 process at any time. So... what are your thoughts on this? Experience? Is there a marked difference that should compel me to also file the I-129F once I receive my NOA1 on the I-130? Of course we want to be together as quickly as possible, but I need some advivce on this one. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer (and sorry about this short story I've just written!)... Warmly, Lindsay	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-06-07 20:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Visitors Visa While Pending I-130??	Hi everyone, I filed I-130 for my husband early this month. I'm wondering if he can visit me for a month or so in US via Visitor's Visa- I will have a new job soon and can't take off work- work is scarse over there, so would be easier for him to come. I'm afraid the consulate might deny him because he doesn't have much money; although, I'd be paying for trip of course. If he applied, and consulate denied him, I will assume that would have no bearing on the I-130 app? Sorry if this question isn't new... Thanks! Lindsay	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2008-06-28 17:20:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)	Perhaps a Dumb Question...	QUOTE (morocco4ever @ Feb 2 2009, 07:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Lindsay G @ Feb 2 2009, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Zayd @ Feb 1 2009, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Lindsay G @ Feb 1 2009, 03:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Lindsay G @ Feb 1 2009, 12:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Zayd @ Feb 1 2009, 02:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Lindsay G @ Jan 31 2009, 04:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi all, I'm curious... when someone is put on AP, are they given a paper from the consulate stating this? Thanks! The customs also differ embassy to embassy. In general if it is pending AP, they will mention 212 or 221 with different letters after it. This is another way to know. If they did not give him any additional information, you may be able to call the Department of state at (202) 663-1225 to get more info. They gave him a paper with a list of things we need to submit (already did... but that's besides the point...) They wanted: 1) "Lindsay to fill out I-864 not I-864ez" (I submitted I-864ez to NVC), 2) different police certificate from Italy, 3) "Lindsay's 3 most recent pay stubs" (all sent to NVC with AOS, I guess they also want more recent for some reason). That's it. They told my husband to get these things, and then return anytime to the consulate at 1pm. The officer said everything else is fine- his interview went really well. I'm still paranoid that that we'll get thrown a curve ball when he submits these. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Now we're waiting for my mail to get to him (can take 1-2 weeks) and for his record to come from Italy (his brother is getting for him). Ugh. Enough already! It was 221g. If it says 221g, then you are definitely in AP. It is also possible that once you hand in all of those forms, you case could go into security checks despite everything going well during the interview. Don't they always give the form 221g if at the time of interview they are requesting additional (or another) document? Could they have given us a different code but gave us this one, that would indicate them not giving the visa once we turn the requested papers in??? Please help. The 221g is given to you for varies reasons. One could be a request for further information, one could be for AP, one could be for a returned petition. The important thing is to read their notes next to the box they checked. That's what I thought. They wrote a few things we needed to submit, but nothing else that would be alarming. I'm just hoping he doesn't get another 221g once he submits those because they decide for some reason to do those security checks... Basically, I will not freakin' relax until I see him walk through those doors at O'Hare! I got us a new home this weekend. I need my husband in it. I'm so sad I want to cry, but if I start, I probably wont stop for a very long time.... holding onto hope....	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-02-02 23:11:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)	Perhaps a Dumb Question...	QUOTE (Zayd @ Feb 1 2009, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Lindsay G @ Feb 1 2009, 03:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Lindsay G @ Feb 1 2009, 12:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Zayd @ Feb 1 2009, 02:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Lindsay G @ Jan 31 2009, 04:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi all, I'm curious... when someone is put on AP, are they given a paper from the consulate stating this? Thanks! The customs also differ embassy to embassy. In general if it is pending AP, they will mention 212 or 221 with different letters after it. This is another way to know. If they did not give him any additional information, you may be able to call the Department of state at (202) 663-1225 to get more info. They gave him a paper with a list of things we need to submit (already did... but that's besides the point...) They wanted: 1) "Lindsay to fill out I-864 not I-864ez" (I submitted I-864ez to NVC), 2) different police certificate from Italy, 3) "Lindsay's 3 most recent pay stubs" (all sent to NVC with AOS, I guess they also want more recent for some reason). That's it. They told my husband to get these things, and then return anytime to the consulate at 1pm. The officer said everything else is fine- his interview went really well. I'm still paranoid that that we'll get thrown a curve ball when he submits these. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Now we're waiting for my mail to get to him (can take 1-2 weeks) and for his record to come from Italy (his brother is getting for him). Ugh. Enough already! It was 221g. If it says 221g, then you are definitely in AP. It is also possible that once you hand in all of those forms, you case could go into security checks despite everything going well during the interview. Don't they always give the form 221g if at the time of interview they are requesting additional (or another) document? Could they have given us a different code but gave us this one, that would indicate them not giving the visa once we turn the requested papers in??? Please help.	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-02-02 20:00:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)	Perhaps a Dumb Question...	QUOTE (Lindsay G @ Feb 1 2009, 12:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Zayd @ Feb 1 2009, 02:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Lindsay G @ Jan 31 2009, 04:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi all, I'm curious... when someone is put on AP, are they given a paper from the consulate stating this? Thanks! The customs also differ embassy to embassy. In general if it is pending AP, they will mention 212 or 221 with different letters after it. This is another way to know. If they did not give him any additional information, you may be able to call the Department of state at (202) 663-1225 to get more info. They gave him a paper with a list of things we need to submit (already did... but that's besides the point...) They wanted: 1) "Lindsay to fill out I-864 not I-864ez" (I submitted I-864ez to NVC), 2) different police certificate from Italy, 3) "Lindsay's 3 most recent pay stubs" (all sent to NVC with AOS, I guess they also want more recent for some reason). That's it. They told my husband to get these things, and then return anytime to the consulate at 1pm. The officer said everything else is fine- his interview went really well. I'm still paranoid that that we'll get thrown a curve ball when he submits these. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Now we're waiting for my mail to get to him (can take 1-2 weeks) and for his record to come from Italy (his brother is getting for him). Ugh. Enough already! It was 221g.	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-02-01 14:02:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)	Perhaps a Dumb Question...	QUOTE (Zayd @ Feb 1 2009, 02:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Lindsay G @ Jan 31 2009, 04:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi all, I'm curious... when someone is put on AP, are they given a paper from the consulate stating this? Thanks! The customs also differ embassy to embassy. In general if it is pending AP, they will mention 212 or 221 with different letters after it. This is another way to know. If they did not give him any additional information, you may be able to call the Department of state at (202) 663-1225 to get more info. They gave him a paper with a list of things we need to submit (already did... but that's besides the point...) They wanted: 1) "Lindsay to fill out I-864 not I-864ez" (I submitted I-864ez to NVC), 2) different police certificate from Italy, 3) "Lindsay's 3 most recent pay stubs" (all sent to NVC with AOS, I guess they also want more recent for some reason). That's it. They told my husband to get these things, and then return anytime to the consulate at 1pm. The officer said everything else is fine- his interview went really well. I'm still paranoid that that we'll get thrown a curve ball when he submits these. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Now we're waiting for my mail to get to him (can take 1-2 weeks) and for his record to come from Italy (his brother is getting for him). Ugh. Enough already!	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-02-01 13:50:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)	Perhaps a Dumb Question...	Hi all, I'm curious... when someone is put on AP, are they given a paper from the consulate stating this? Thanks!	Lindsay G	Female	Albania	2009-01-31 15:00:00