ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - April 2012

Oh I see... And no, no IV invoice showing up for me :( well, I also know my AOS packet has been received cuz of the USPS tracking I put, but 2 operators told me it hasn't been scanne into system yet, so its in their mail room...

Congrats on paying your bill though!!! :)


Yes i called them now, my DS 230 is not yet showing in the system, they told me its not going to show up until they reviewed it which takes atleast 7-14 days. Effective today Apr 13 the visa fee went down to $230. I was told by the operator I was lucky coz Ive waited until it went down, atleast i saved $184 lol

Edited by angelo gutierrez, 13 April 2012 - 08:52 PM.

angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-04-13 20:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - April 2012

WHAT?! HOW?! Mine still hasn't posted. The DS3032 has been accepted days ago... And you sent the IV package before clearing payment??? Risky, but ur sure they received it how? My AOs package arrived there yesterday early morning and I still can't get someone to tell me that they've scanned it in...

Anyone else successful in paying or receiving their IV bill???


I sent the IV package a week before my payment because I sent it from APO address (overseas) I found out that they received it because it shows on the USPS website. it was delivered today 11 AM.

You can send documents even if its not paid yet, NVC will review everything. But case will not be completed if you missed a payment. You can send a DS 230 even if its not yet paid, but NVC will not schedule interview/complete the case until you submit all paperworks and payment.

Edited by angelo gutierrez, 13 April 2012 - 08:41 PM.

angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-04-13 20:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - April 2012
Just paid the IV, the price went down from $404 I only paid $230. :thumbs:
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-04-13 19:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - April 2012

Ok, don't feel bad think like that happens a lot. Have you sent out the originals to USCIS? they requested copies only with i130, NVC requests originals.

1. You can request that you'll provide the original documents at interview date (not sure how's that will work tho).
2. I would've suggest that you send the missing papers with the bar coded sheet on the top. HOWEVER, these are original doc so I would suggest to wait for a checklist and send the missing documents. You're looking for Wed or Thur to get the checklist.


Yeah I remember when I migrated to the US I showed them the Police clearance etc. at the interview. Everything that I sent to USCIS are the original copy except for the passport but the marriage cert. and birth cert. of my wife I sent them the original.

Yeah I remember when I migrated to the US I showed them the Police clearance etc. at the interview. Everything that I sent to USCIS are the original copy except for the passport but the marriage cert. and birth cert. of my wife I sent them the original.


Im gonna call NVC once the packet is received to find out if I need to provide them more documents. And I will try to request if my wife can bring it during the interview instead of sending it to NVC.
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-04-09 07:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - April 2012
Just sent the DS-230 Pt. 1 and 2 today. I forgot to attach the Police Clearance, 2x2 photos, birth cert. and marriage cert. Do I have to wait for the checklist or can send it right away like tomorrow? But I dont think I have to provide them with the marriage and birth certificate again, I already sent it with my I-130 package to USCIS so im pretty sure NVC has it already when they received the documents from USCIS. :help:

Edited by angelo gutierrez, 09 April 2012 - 07:14 AM.

angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-04-09 07:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - April 2012
If my wife is already given the visa, do I have to be with her at the point of entry? Do I need to get her in Philippines? Ive heard that I need to sign documents at the POE and there will be a briefing with the immigration officer since she is holding a CR1 visa. My plan is I would like to wait for her here in the states.

Edited by angelo gutierrez, 06 April 2012 - 03:48 AM.

angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-04-06 03:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - April 2012
Once NVC receives the DS-230 and other documents, if everything is good, how long does it take before the case is complete? And what is the next step after that? :whistle:
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-04-03 05:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - April 2012
Im about to send the IV package for my wife, can you guys double check if im not missing anything. This is whats inside the package:

Cover Sheet with the barcode
Police Clearance
2 (2x2) passport style photo with my wife's name, date of birth and case no. at the back
birth certificate original and a copy
marriage certificate original and a copy
copy of the biographic data page of unexpired passport
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-03-31 13:30:00
Philippinesuscis background check in the philippines
USCIS initiates the background checks of the applicant/petitioner and identifies issues that may need to be addressed either during an interview or by asking the applicant/petitioner to submit additional information or documentation. USCIS reviews the applicant's/petitioner's criminal history, determines if there are national security concerns that need to be addressed, and reviews the application/petition for fraud indicators.

I believe they only do background checks on the petitioner during the USCIS stage but once the case is forwarded to US Embassy in Philippines they will do the back ground check on the beneficiary remember part of the requirement is the police/NBI clearance.
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-01-21 04:22:00
PhilippinesGoing Back to the Philippines

Hi Guys,

I will be 3 months here in US on February 17.

I need to go back to the Philippines due to my mother being sick, and my sister will be giving birth on March.

I'm thinking to stay in the Philippines for 5 months. Will I have a problem going back to US? I'm a 10 year GC holder.

Please I need your opinions.


As long as you already have your green card you should be good to go. Green card holders are allowed to stay outside the US not more than 1 year.
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-01-22 02:15:00
PhilippinesManila Airport wife is going home for a visit ?

Another question:
My wife will be in the Philippines for 22 days? Will she need any papers from the US Embassy for a visit
lasting 22 days?


No papers needed. :thumbs:
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-01-21 06:18:00
Philippinestax return

HI everyone, just want to ask about the tax return my fiance sent me, since he filed it electronically, is it ok if i only have the e-copy of his tax return without his signature because like what i said it was e-filed?thanks for the reply....


It was actually signed, E-Signature.. Before you send your return the system will tell you to type your name and date and that serves as the signature.
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-02-03 21:50:00
PhilippinesMedical Payment, in US or Peso?

Medical Payment, in US or Peso? How much exactly in pesos?


P 9,174.00
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-02-19 06:45:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance or Police certificate

i am needing a police certificate in Philippines . are they talking about NBI


You will need both.
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-02-21 05:36:00
Philippinesair fare

does philippine airlines offer discount for immigrant visa holders? tthanks


No. But Ive heard that if its your first time to travel to the US they will give you discount.
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-04-09 07:08:00
PhilippinesWaiting Time For Interview @ US Embassy Manila

I would say expect an interview in the next month or two at the embassy. Be diligent and call. pay attention to any mail or posting on the site. Make sure to register at travel.gov to track your case to know when it is scheduled. You may still have to pay the embassy interview fee before the interview is set. i will check with a couple here who just went through the ir/cr visa process to give you more information.


How do I register online to track the status of our case? Can you please provide me the link, I cant find it at the travel.state.gov website. :help:
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-04-26 17:04:00
PhilippinesWaiting Time For Interview @ US Embassy Manila

Hope someone that has done the IR/CR -1 process jumps in.

Not sure why this way moved to the Philippine forum... being the scheduling is controlled and from what I understand comes through NVC.


When did NVC completed your case?
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-04-26 06:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionU.S. Citizen married to Ecuadorian- wants to visit the U.S. for Xmas
I have read forum topics until my eyes hurt but I cannot find anyone in a similar situation. I met my now-husband on a service trip in November of 2006 and was travelling back and forth from the U.S. to Ecuador for a year until I decided to get a TEFL certificate, found a job in Quito, and moved to Ecuador to be with my then-fiance. We have lived together for over 7 months and after being engaged for over a year we got married in a civil ceremony in Quito last Thursday (10/09/08).

Before I moved here, Fred* and I had agreed to live in his country for at least 2 years...and I am happy and willing to do that...but I want to be able to visit my family and friends on occasion in the States. We started the process of filing for a tourist visa for him about 3 months ago (before we got married). The entire process went by very quickly...including the interview (which lasted for 3 minutes after 3 hours of waiting). We had considered not revealing our engagement out of fear of rejection but decided that honesty was the only option. They then informed him that he would never be permitted to enter the US with this type of visa because he was engaged to a U.S. citizen but would not explain any further about alternative options. So we lost $180 just like that (an amount which is sizeable in a 3rd world country). The Embassy refused to read the letter of support that was written by my father and did not even look at his other documents. My dad later tried to confront our congressman...who told him that we should just get married and try again.

Since then, Fred* has gotten a new job and I have plans to renew my contract with the institute I currently work for...neither of us has plans to relocate in the near future. Fred's* family is here, we have a great apartment, and even a cat together...but none of this seems to be evidence enough that we want to stay in Ecuador. So now we are attempting Direct Consular Filing...which will cost another sizeable sum...not to mention hours of preparation, legal document preparation, and time off from work to fit into the Embassy's appointment scheduling. Here is the thing that makes us different...I DON'T WANT TO MOVE BACK TO THE UNITED STATES YET!!! And neither does my husband. We just want to go home for the holidays...and I am not even sure if I am going about this in the correct way. If we DO get approved...we might not be able to return to Ecuador (to our apartment/our belongings/our jobs)...and if we DON'T get approved...then I will have to go home without my husband...and my grandparents and niece and nephew won't meet him for at least another year.

Again...if it IS approved and we attempt to come home before adjusting his status...will that ruin his chances of immigrating in a few years? Will we be able to go back and forth between countries on occasion without needing ANOTHER type of visa? I am so confused and I wish that there was some basic instruction that was without the legal jargon so that I could understand what I am supposed to do with my money and my life. Can anyone help me? Does anyone have any experience like this?

So confused and almost broke thanks to the U.S. government,

Jessilea
jessyfrankFemaleEcuador2008-10-13 13:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionU.S. Citizen married to Ecuadorian- wants to visit the U.S. for Xmas
With the decision to change our visa application we have completely abandoned the visitor's visa. Since we are now married, there would be no point in applying for one of those...and the Embassy had no interest in knowing about our relationship with the tourist visa (our engagement was actually what caused the rejection of the first application). And of course being able to fund one's own trip is ideal...but we both have Ecuadorian incomes here...about $700 a month each...and with living expenses...we don't ever have much left in savings...not to mention the constant fees for paperwork for the visas. The I-130 petition costs $355 to process and that is not including all of the collection of documents costs. I can't help but feel like the U.S. government wants all immigrants to be completely dependent when they first move to the country...because there is no way that anyone from here could have an independent transition into the States.

We turned in our petition last Thursday and were told to wait for at least 2 months before we check our status. Because we did it through the foreign country's consulate...we are hoping that the process will go faster. The fingers are officially crossed and we are just waiting now for any news.
jessyfrankFemaleEcuador2008-10-21 10:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionU.S. Citizen married to Ecuadorian- wants to visit the U.S. for Xmas
I have read forum topics until my eyes hurt but I cannot find anyone in a similar situation. I met my now-husband on a service trip in November of 2006 and was travelling back and forth from the U.S. to Ecuador for a year until I decided to get a TEFL certificate, found a job in Quito, and moved to Ecuador to be with my then-fiance. We have lived together for over 7 months and after being engaged for over a year we got married in a civil ceremony in Quito last Thursday (10/09/08).

Before I moved here, Fred* and I had agreed to live in his country for at least 2 years...and I am happy and willing to do that...but I want to be able to visit my family and friends on occasion in the States. We started the process of filing for a tourist visa for him about 3 months ago (before we got married). The entire process went by very quickly...including the interview (which lasted for 3 minutes after 3 hours of waiting). We had considered not revealing our engagement out of fear of rejection but decided that honesty was the only option. They then informed him that he would never be permitted to enter the US with this type of visa because he was engaged to a U.S. citizen but would not explain any further about alternative options. So we lost $180 just like that (an amount which is sizeable in a 3rd world country). The Embassy refused to read the letter of support that was written by my father and did not even look at his other documents. My dad later tried to confront our congressman...who told him that we should just get married and try again.

Since then, Fred* has gotten a new job and I have plans to renew my contract with the institute I currently work for...neither of us has plans to relocate in the near future. Fred's* family is here, we have a great apartment, and even a cat together...but none of this seems to be evidence enough that we want to stay in Ecuador. So now we are attempting Direct Consular Filing...which will cost another sizeable sum...not to mention hours of preparation, legal document preparation, and time off from work to fit into the Embassy's appointment scheduling. Here is the thing that makes us different...I DON'T WANT TO MOVE BACK TO THE UNITED STATES YET!!! And neither does my husband. We just want to go home for the holidays...and I am not even sure if I am going about this in the correct way. If we DO get approved...we might not be able to return to Ecuador (to our apartment/our belongings/our jobs)...and if we DON'T get approved...then I will have to go home without my husband...and my grandparents and niece and nephew won't meet him for at least another year.

Again...if it IS approved and we attempt to come home before adjusting his status...will that ruin his chances of immigrating in a few years? Will we be able to go back and forth between countries on occasion without needing ANOTHER type of visa? I am so confused and I wish that there was some basic instruction that was without the legal jargon so that I could understand what I am supposed to do with my money and my life. Can anyone help me? Does anyone have any experience like this?

So confused and almost broke thanks to the U.S. government,

Jessilea
jessyfrankFemaleEcuador2008-10-13 13:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about "AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT" when it comes to households?
Thank you very much for the info..... I appreciate it alot!!!!!
kavnjhoyMalePhilippines2010-03-01 00:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about "AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT" when it comes to households?
HI everyone,

The question is regarding about the Affidavit of support when filling a K-1, so when they ask how many household size, does it mean that, does it includes everyone that lives with you in the house.

***For example: My situation is, I'm still living with my parents (living with 2 persons) and I actually contribute money to them for the rent about $500 a month (but they are not dependent to me at all, and I am single/independent when I claim my W2 tax return), so lets say that I will be petitioning a K-1 for my fiance only, would both of my parents be dependent under me which will turn into 4 household counts? Because I'm not sure if I'm going to be qualified as I make only about $20,000 a yr and in this amount, it will be enough to cover only me and my fiance for the poverty guidelines. What would be the total household size in this case?

THANK YOU FOR THE HELP/RESPONSE!!!!!!!!
kavnjhoyMalePhilippines2010-02-28 08:09:00
Asia: SouthFather in Law interview Next week in Islamabad
QUOTE (CherryXS @ Jun 17 2008, 01:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Only the trite one--pray plenty!

There is not too much can be done for tourist visa. it's totally up to interviwing officer. He/she must belieive that applicant will be back. Applicant has to show strong ties. Job, house, family, bank balance. My mother in law was denied too last year.
mikeHMalePakistan6/17/2008 13:52
Asia: SouthBirth certificate
Any one from karachi can help me.? my mother in law needs Birth certificate. she was born in 1943 in india. she is pakistani citizen. her case is at NVC for immigrant visa.
mikeHMalePakistan1/28/2013 15:36
VietnamK-1 or K-3

Hello Everyone, :yes:
Been a while since my last post. Hoa and I have been talking alot and I have my flight to Vietnam coming up on March 23rd. We are very excited to finally be able to get together and after all the time talking I have proposed to her and asked her to marry me. :D I am overjoyed that she has accepted and once I am in VN we plan on having the engagement party :dancing: . It is important for me that she and her family are happy and I want to include her family and friends as much as we can. So given the timing and my availability from work, we are wondering if it is best to pursue the k-1 visa or marry once I am in Vietnam and pursue the k-3 visa at that point. Would it go bad if we have the engagement party and we marry in 1 week during my trip to VN?
Thanks alot for your input.
Scott



Go for K1, K3 is nothing it will just make the I-130 process longer or make you wait longer.
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-03-02 00:09:00
VietnamHow money do you need to sponsor for your wife?

How much money will I need to have in my bank in order to sponsor my wife? I heard some people say around $5,000 - $10,000 is that right? What will they be looking at? Your income tax right? Money in the bank right? If it not $5,000 then does any one know exactly how much you would need in order to bring your wife here?



If you earn enough money then you dont need to fill out Part 7 of the I-864 which is the assets (e.g Money in Bank, Stocks.) In order to know if you earn enough money go ahead and check the I-864P which is the poverty guideline.

The main thing NVC looks at is your current income (W2 and Federal Income Tax return for the year 2011) thats the most important thing.

How much money will I need to have in my bank in order to sponsor my wife? I heard some people say around $5,000 - $10,000 is that right? What will they be looking at? Your income tax right? Money in the bank right? If it not $5,000 then does any one know exactly how much you would need in order to bring your wife here?


If you dont met the minimum income, no worries, you can always get a co-sponsor if you dont have that much money in your bank.
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-03-04 05:55:00
USCIS Service CentersProcessing times update?

According to the USCIS website, they update their processing time charts on the 15th of every month. The last update was November 30th... What's going on with the updates for December, January and February?

This is really frustrating, because their trend charts are especially helpful in getting an idea of how backlogged they are, or whether they might be speeding things up.. But so far.. Nothing..


CSC is currently processing July of 2011, this is for I-130 (spouse of USC)
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-02-19 19:28:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)I-130 for husband of US Citizen

I was recently approved by CSC (last month). I am a US Citizen and petitioned I-130 for my wife. It took 195 days (about 6.5 months) for CSC to approve my application. This is without any RFE. Like already pointed out above, CSC is backed up. Expect it to take anywhere from 5 to 7 months. Hope this helps.



True, it took us 213 days before we got our NOA 2.

Edited by angelo gutierrez, 19 February 2012 - 07:32 PM.

angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-02-19 19:32:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaInterview for April 3rd

I'm overly stressed I contacted the U.S Embassy and also the NVC and they both have confirmed that my fiance's interview is on April 3rd but we have yet to receive the interview package, should we be worried? Should I proceed and purchase my plane ticket? The last letter I received was from the NVC that they were sending our case to the embassy.

Please advice....Thanks in advance....


Do not buy a plane ticket until the visa is on hand or approved after the interview.
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-03-04 07:13:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSpouse to USA timeframe

8-10 months if there are no road blocks.
Forget the K3, it is obsolete and usually gets closed at NVC stage anyway. Go for the CR-1, it leads to a instant greencard upon entry to the USA, which means she can work and travel immediately.


8-12 months.. In my case we almost hit the 6 month mark and we are still waiting for the approval from USCIS. I dont have any RFE on my case, its just that USCIS is slowing down on the process due to large volume of applicants.
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-01-08 08:37:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere should we get married, US or Indonesia?

@iwaiting: Thanks! Did you mean we can file I-130 (CR-1) through US embassy in Jakarta? If K-1 Fiance Visa is faster, how long in average will it take to process?


k1 process is 3-4 months, sometimes 5 months.
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-02-26 08:30:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-130 August 2011 & Waiting!!

hi, well i am from trinidad,my husband is a citizen in the U.S we were married last year 5th june 2011, he filed i1-30 for me on 23rd august 2011, first NOA was received about a week after he also filed a i1-29f on 12th september,was'nt aware that was not important. so we are going in our 6th month waitin on our approval, jus want to say waiting sucks!!
and everytime we contact our service centre theay are saying there is a back-up. it hurts so bad being away from my husband.. love you hunni,thank god for skype!!


CSC is currently processing July 2011, you should get your NOA 2 by middle of March. :thumbs:
angelo gutierrezMalePhilippines2012-02-19 19:29:00
Asia: East and PacificI-134 and Co-Sponsors -Philippines
In another forum, I was told that the consulate in Manila does not take Co-sponsorship for the I-134. Is there anyone that can shed some light on this? True? False? anything? Tomorrow, I'll be trying to get in contact with someone from the consulate in Manila in hopes of an answer. But, anyone here happen to know?
e12iicMalePhilippines2006-08-21 08:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionApproved!
received visa from us embassy in manila, philippines june 27 :thumbs: :star: :D (L) thanks for all help from this site... Robert and Lorie

Attached Files


asawaFemalePhilippines2006-06-27 09:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Attached File  phil118.jpg   62.91KB   46 downloadsHi All,

My fiance and myself are new to this site, although we have been reading posts.
I applied for a k-1 and is in transit to Manila now. My question is: what is time frame to expect
for Manila to grant an interview after my file arrives there from NVC?

Thanks,

Robert and Lorie
asawaFemalePhilippines2006-02-12 23:07:00