ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC recent trends
Here's my timeline, in case it helps



imeline

July 14: I-130 and I29F approved
July 26: NVC acknowledges receipt of both I-130 and I-129F
July 28: DS-3032 and AOS fee bill generated (although dated 2 days earlier when I received the snail mail)
July 29: mailed off $70 AOS fee
July 29: email forwarded DS-3032 from wife (snail mail got there first!)
July 30: spouse mailed off DS-3032 by express mail (UPS) from Philippines
August 4: DS-3032 hard copy received at NVC from Philippines
August 4: AOS fee bill received by NVC (although wrong date was on James' short cut generated bill!)
August 6: AOS generated
August 6: IV bill generated
August 6: send off AOS (I-864EZ) lets hope they accept a non-notarized version with IRS tax transcripts for last 3 years rather than actual tax returns! (there's not even any space to notarize an I-864EZ, so it makes no sense to me)
August 6: paid IV bill online with invoice # obtained from NVC operator (who also told me the online system doesn't work, so I'll just have to see what happens)
August 7: IV bill status is now "paid" and deducted from my bank account
August 7: mail off DS-230 + pile of documents + IV payment receipt + bank statement showing deduction
August 8: AVR says IV bill generated? (online status changed to "unpaid" although paid receipt is right there online. duh!)
August 11: finally they accepted email DS-3032 (hard copy got there one week earlier)
August 13: IV received at NVC (they need to be informed again to reconcile online payment with visa application, grrrrrr)
August 13: online payment system status changed back to "paid" yippee!!!
August 13: receive snail mail IV bill
August 14: AVR says IV payment received August 6
August 14: AOS instructions received by email
August 19: medical appointment (using k3-visa # already at consulate)
August 22: case complete according to operator several days later
August 27: k3-visa interview scheduled for September 16
August 27: expedite request emailed to send I-130 docs to k3-visa interview so that it can be changed to a CR-visa interview
August 27: also mail in expedite request
September 3: still no news on expedite request so ask to speak to supervisor who then has email tracked down and worked on within a couple of hours
September 3: request sent from NVC to embassy to find whether k3 interview can be changed to CR
September 9: MNL accepts expedite request and I-130 package mailed to embassy (I think)
September 16: k3 interview date (I traveled to MNL to be there at the USEM)
September 16:I-130 arrives at embassy on day of interview but after interview
September 16: embassy calls wife who somehow misses calls (delay of CR visa caused by my wife's stupid cell phone)
September 29: wife returns to embassy to sign DS-230 in front of CO (same one as at interview, giggle)
October 3: CR visa received
October 17: flight scheduled!
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-15 21:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC expedite
If you emailed it in you can call up NVC and ask to speak to a supervisor so that it can get immediate attention. Some emails will have to be exchanged between NVC and the consulate before your interview is booked.


QUOTE (yasser ezz @ Oct 19 2008, 12:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We have just sent an email to NVC requesting an expedite because of my daughters medical needs at this point. Does anyone know about how long it takes to get an answer on our request. And also what well happen if it is approved. My wife is the one in America... So she is the one getting things ready and sent. I just want to make sure that we dont miss anything and we stay ontop of our game. Thanks

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-19 19:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOff topic...POE when flying
The only concern is whether there will be enough for her time to clear immigration? Depends on how busy that airport is?

My wife recently went through the POE at LAX and it was 90-120 minutes after landing that she emerged from customs. My wife had a very easy POE, just queuing with other immigrants was what took most of the time. If your spouse is really unlucky they could hold her at the POE for hours, but that seldom occurs.

You always have the option of flying out to Hawii to meet her.


QUOTE (rmncm @ Oct 20 2008, 07:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It doesnt matter I guess were her poe is...I just didnt want her to visit Hawaii without me!!!! LOL

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-20 11:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat happens now?
Whether you do or do not call NVC, you will both eventually receive s letter from them about the interview and medical appointments. Calling will enable you to find out this information earlier.
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-20 21:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1/IR-1 or K-3
k3 is generally faster simply because it doesn't spend more than a few days at NVC whereas the CR/IR can take months to process through NVC, unless you diligently chase it through yourself using all the shortcuts etc..... in which case this can be reduced to about a month. In some countries, you can picket the USEM interview date yourself for the k3 visa, while NVC arranges the interview date for the CR/IR visa.


QUOTE (CitizenUS @ Oct 20 2008, 11:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone know what is faster to get?

CR-1/IR-1 or K-3

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-20 13:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresthe original documents?
Whoever will be the agent (often the petitioner) should retain original copies of documents for eventually sending to NVC when requested. Make sure the documents (e.g. police clearances) don't expire.


QUOTE (kanna04 @ Oct 21 2008, 12:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
quik question here...do i have to keep all the ORIGINAL documents with me ( marriage cert,birth cert, etc..) to sent it to nvc...or my wife should keep it in india and take it to the consulate in india....PLEASE let me knw..

i just called the vermont service center...nothing new...sos...told me call bak in 30 to 45 day from now....
i dont wanna check anymore....

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-21 13:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuition about upgrade I130
At least you got a response from your service request. I never got a response to any of mine, in spite of the fact that my petitions were eventually approved.

Applying for the k3 after becoming Naturalized shouldn't confuse USCIS. It's a legitimate procedure that worked for me, although it took 12 months for my petitions to be approved.


QUOTE (Mike1976 @ Oct 16 2008, 04:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (nimche @ Oct 16 2008, 05:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You still have no approval?

Did you apply for K3 visa afterward? If you didn't then just make sure you won't do it because that causes some confusion....

Your original date doesn't change and priority stays same, you should be able to call them by now and let them know that your case is outside of normal processing time.

thanks for the reply. Yes i did applied for K3 visa too on augest , what is the confusion that may cause? i called the many time and made a service request and they sent me a letter to say my case still pending that's all .
tell me what's your experiance in this setuation?

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-17 12:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuition about upgrade I130
I was in the same situation. I heard that USCIS consider the relevant date to be that of the upgrade as regards your I-130 processing. If this is true, it makes the process of submitting an I-130 while a LPR a waste of time.

However, that doesn't stop you from calling USCIS because the petition is far outside the processing time.
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-17 12:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPetitions K3 and CR1 at Embassy
It's best to directly ask the consulate exactly what they will accept under these circumstances. i.e. will they allow you to have the k3 interview with photocopies of documents if the original documents are in transit from NVC? The answer might be different for different consulates. If you don't have copies of documents they would find acceptable at the time of the k3 interview, then it might be best to postpone the k3 interview date unless they can confirm with you that the IV paperwork is already at the consulate and they will allow you to follow that route.

In our case, we had thankfully obtained multiple copies of police clearances, birth certificates, marriage certificates, tax transcripts (both for I-134 and I-864), certified copies of divorce decree, etc.... our IV paperwork had not yet reached the consulate at the time of the k3 interview. The timing wasn't quite perfect! However, we were still able to follow the CR visa route because the k3 visa had not yet had final approval from the CO by the afternoon,


QUOTE (WaitingforRakesh @ Oct 21 2008, 05:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you everyone!

It is good to hear from everyone!

So if I reading these right the worst that can happen is that you have to either call them before your K3 interview if the CR1 paperwork is not at the embassy yet, and tell them you want to persue the CR1 and perhaps have a delay, and you might have to wait longer for the interview. (That is what worries me.) This waiting this has gone too long!

I still don't know how they would expect you to have orginals for both K3 at the embassy and CR1 at the NVC. Has this happened to anyone else? Do they accept copies if you tell them that the orginals are at NVC?

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-21 19:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPetitions K3 and CR1 at Embassy
The consulate books k3 and CR interviews differently and has a slightly different procedures and forms for each one. The I-130 and I-129F are separate at this point in the process (they parted ways at USCIS). Maybe I'm wrong, but I believe they won't actually switch the visa interview classification in advance of you actually going to the interview. Therefore, you have to pay the k3 visa fee and have the necessary forms ready before you even get to the point at which you can request to have the CR visa instead of the k3 visa. The conversion is done at the discretion of the consular officials, buts is usually honored. If they happen to have the I-130 at hand when you go to the prescreener window for the k3 prescreening, then you will probably be in luck! No need to have additional copies of documents if they allow you to take up the CR visa right there and then. However, if they don't have the I-130 right there in front of them (e.g. it's still in transit or is inconveniently filed away somewhere) then you might be in trouble.

That's why it's a good idea to have confirmation from the consulate that they have the required documents before going to the interview (if you don't have extra copies). Otherwise you could risk being turned away.



QUOTE (yeye @ Oct 21 2008, 04:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ninjarocket,

if your K3 interview date has been changed to CR1, why would you have to submit documents related to K-3?

For e.g. one difference between K-3 and CR1 is I-134. I would think you don't have to submit I-134 because I-864 has already been submitted to NVC. Also, there should be no need to submit DS-156 because that is not relevant for CR-1

Thanks

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-21 17:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPetitions K3 and CR1 at Embassy
Unless the embassy tells you explicitly that you don't need to bring further documents because they already have them, you will likely have to supply additional copies before having the k3 interview.

You could always clarify this by calling the embassy, but my guess is that they will insist that you bring documents specific to the k3 interview no matter how illogical it sounds. You will likely have two choices:

1) Obtain additional copies of the required documents.

2) Cancel the k3 interview and go instead with the CR interview date.

It depends on which of these can be accomplished first.

It's always risky relying on a single copy of each document.



QUOTE (daboyz @ Oct 21 2008, 01:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This is where I'm confused. All my originals are with NVC right now for the IR-1 visa. She has packet 3 for the K-3. If she goes ahead and returns packet 3, she doesn't really have the documents requested because they are all at NVC. So it would really be impossible for her to get the K-3 visa without the original marriage certificate etc. Is this right, or am I missing something?

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-21 16:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPetitions K3 and CR1 at Embassy
It's generally up to the CO reviewing your case, but the usual policy is to drop the k3 visa if the CR1 petition has already arrived. However, you still have to prepare all of the documents and visa fees required for the k3 interview as a matter of formality because they have a standard system of processing for each time of interview appointment.

You might also be given the option to transfer to the CR1 visa even if the package arrives after the k3 interview, provided it is in transit. This happened in my case. However, that would mean that your spouse would need to return to the embassy to sign the DS-230 in front of a CO.

Good luck!



QUOTE (WaitingforRakesh @ Oct 21 2008, 01:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello,

I have a little question on time line for New Dehli.

My K3 Petition for my husband is at New Dehli. He is still waiting for the interview letter and information on medical etc.

My CR1 Petition is at NVC awaiting the DS 230 packet.

What happens if they schedule a K3 visa interview for my husband and the CR1 petition arrives before that. Will they automatically dropped the K3 and use the CR1. Would they use the same interview date or reschedule. Can he use the medical packet for the K3 for the CR1.

All the orginal documents that are required are going to the NVC. I assume they would forward that to the embassy.

What if the CR1 petition does not arrive before he needs to submit the DS 230 packet to the embassy.

I am want to take the route that is less time and hassle.

Please help.

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-21 14:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresreceived ineligible for visa at interview
Really sorry to hear that, but at least they haven't sent it back to USCIS, which means it's not denied outright. I guess the DoS needs to conduct an investigation in order to confirm that she is not the other person. At least they've given you a time frame. Hopefully that's an overestimate.

At this point I would strongly advice involving your congressman or ####### Cheney or someone? Explain the mistaken identity clearly to them and hopefully there might be some extra leverage applied in your case.


QUOTE (eric&randa @ Oct 21 2008, 12:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello out there
i was wondering if anyone had this happen to them. ineligible to receive visa. must send to state department for review. time 3 months.
they said to my wife that someone with same name is in U.S. illegally. crazy thing!!!! i cant believe that these guys are so in incompentant in our government. i live in arizona and i see many illegals all over the place.
but with that said i would like to find out best course of action
my email is americanfivestar@earthlink.net
thanks
eric

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-21 14:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConsulate needs I-130 docs but won't request from NVC to convert K3 to CR1 interview
If you have a k3 appointment and the I-130 paperwork is confirmed to be already physically at the consulate, then you have the option of keeping the earlier k3 appointment date. If you choose that option, pay the k3 visa fee, go to the k3 appointment and then notify the consulate staff of your I-130 paper work once you're inside the consulate. Good luck with your interview!!!!!!

(I don't know whether the consular officials ever deny switching k3 to CR visas? Unless we know for sure that they don't, it's best to prepare the I-134 just in case and have other copies of relevant documents on hand).



QUOTE (A_I_S @ Oct 22 2008, 08:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ninjarocket @ Oct 22 2008, 09:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Maybe they may not agree with you in person, but they will surely tell you that they issue CR visas rather than k3 if the I-130 arrives at the consulate by the time of our k3 appointment. Phone operators will often just assume that you are confused (because many people are) and will lecture you on all kinds of stuff you already know.


Well, our papers were sent to Moscow on Oct 10th, so the paperwork is there already. Anyway...if that doesn't work then we'll simply wait 3 more weeks until our CR1 interview. Paying $400 more just to get converted is not cost effective in this case, and anyway...we don't have the docs, other than the copies, and we haven't mailed anything in for K3. So if they can't help us now we'll have to wait.

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-22 09:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConsulate needs I-130 docs but won't request from NVC to convert K3 to CR1 interview
The point is that if you go to a k3 visa appointment you will have to pay the relevant fee or else they will likely not let you through the door, unless you're on special terms with the guards and consulate staff. They don't convert k3 appointments to CR appointments in advance. The visa category can only actually be changed once your physically inside the embassy speaking with a consulate officials who handle your paperwork.

Since you can't guarantee that they will honor the visa conversion (who knows what might go wrong), it's best to prepare the I-134 for the k3 interview appointment and have all other documents required for the k3 visa.

How can we know whether certain supervisors are favorites unless more than 1 VJ member can attest to that fact? Maybe Layla is awful most of the time and was just having a nice day or was charmed by my English accent?


QUOTE (Ling Ling @ Oct 18 2008, 07:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ninjarocket...

1. Are you absolutely sure everyone needs to pay the K-3 fees and have an I-134...to convert to CR-1?
2. I would caution against the public broadcast of NVC supervisor names. I think sharing in PM is OK,
but broadcasting could cause our favorite friendly supervisors to become over worked and "not so friendly".

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-22 09:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConsulate needs I-130 docs but won't request from NVC to convert K3 to CR1 interview
QUOTE (A_I_S @ Oct 17 2008, 12:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ninjarocket @ Oct 17 2008, 12:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I did exactly this.

You need to send an expedite request email to NVC for your I-130 because the k3 interview is already scheduled. Give the case numbers, names, dates of birth in the email. Put the case number and attention supervisor in the subject line. You need to state that the consulate have agreed to do this provided NVC sends the I-130 documents.


The part I have trouble with is "consulate have agreed to do this". Consulate is clearly not agreeing with me at this point.
Unfortunately, we have 11 days (counting this weekend) left. The paperwork should be in Moscow already. I'm considering simply telling my wife to show up at the embassy on that K3 date and asking to convert to CR1.


Maybe they may not agree with you in person, but they will surely tell you that they issue CR visas rather than k3 if the I-130 arrives at the consulate by the time of our k3 appointment. Phone operators will often just assume that you are confused (because many people are) and will lecture you on all kinds of stuff you already know.
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-22 09:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConsulate needs I-130 docs but won't request from NVC to convert K3 to CR1 interview
They won't send the I-130 to the consulate unless they book an interview appointment for the CR visa (even though it's possible to convert k3 to CR visas, they will still keep separate official appointment interview dates: you can't actually change k3 to CR until you're already inside the consulate speaking with the consular officials who have your files physically in front of them). If you want the I-130 to be sent sooner rather than later, this has to be initiated by you via NVC. What you can do is to ask NVC to expedite the sending of the I-130 to the consulate (which involves them first contacting the consulate by email for a CR interview date) in order for it to reach there before your k3 interview appointment.

Write an email (including all usual details of petitioner and beneficiary that they ask for on the phone + relevant case numbers) to NVC with attention supervisor in the subject heading as well as the NVC I-130 case number. State that you have a k3 interview scheduled and that the consulate have told you they will allow transfer to CR visa provided the I-130 docs are sent to the consulate. You therefore need to ask NVC whether they can expedite the booking of the CR interview and sending of the paperwork to the consulate in order to make this possible. Hopefully they will agree to help. This is purely up to them. Since this is an extra service provided by them that extends beyond what they are required to do by law, contacting a congressman or complaining isn't going to help. Be very polite. They're not going to want to help you if you irritate them. Admit to fault if necessary and don't point blank accuse them of making mistakes.

While material sent by mail is usually opened by NVC within a couple of days, emails typically sit in the inbox for 2 or 3 weeks before being read. Therefore you need to call NVC and ask to speak to a supervisor a day or so after sending the email expedite request so that they can hopefully track down your email and see that it gets immediate attention. You have to be on good terms with the staff at NVC.

Good luck!



QUOTE (cyberdeep @ Sep 29 2008, 10:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Our I-130 case was completed at NVC but is waiting for a Nov interview date. Chennai consulate has assigned a K3 interview date in Oct already. They are willing to convert that to a CR1 interview if they receive the docs. But NVC won't send the docs until they schedule an interview and consulate won't request the docs!

Sent emails to consulate, spoken to an operator at the consulate...but they say they can't request it. NVC can't do anything about it nor can the state dept. Tried to get an email from NVC stating that the consulate could do it but no replies from NVC. I guess we are just stuck waiting for a Nov interview date now.

How have people been able to get the consulate to request documents from NVC? Has it worked with the Chennai consulate?

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-22 09:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConsulate needs I-130 docs but won't request from NVC to convert K3 to CR1 interview
The interviews for IR/CR visas and k3 visas are essentially the same. If the I-130 paperwork is at or on it's way to the consulate, the CO will usually agree to grant a IR/CR visa rather than a k3.

Officially, they don't "convert interviews from k3 to CR/IR" so to speak. This causes some confusion I think, which is why some people have been told "no" by the consulate or NVC. You still need to prepare everything that's required for the k3 interview (e.g. pay visa fee, prepare I-134), even if the CO will agree to grant a CR/IR visa in the end.



QUOTE (A_I_S @ Oct 17 2008, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We're in the K3/CR1 situation. Both our interviews have already been scheduled, and as far as I can tell Moscow has already received our CR1 paperwork.
The K3 interview is on Oct 29th. I've been trying to convert that to a CR1 interview. Unfortunately, I seem to be running into a brick wall. The NVC says they do not deal with expedite interviews once an interview date has been set, so I have to deal with the embassy. The embassy operator told me that they only do expedites due to medical reasons.

So is there a magic trick/word/password I have to say when dealing with the embassy to get them to convert my K3 interview into a CR1? How were you able to do it?
Thanks,
Andrei

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-17 12:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConsulate needs I-130 docs but won't request from NVC to convert K3 to CR1 interview
The interviews for IR/CR visas and k3 visas are essentially the same. If the I-130 paperwork is at or on it's way to the consulate, the CO will usually agree to grant a IR/CR visa rather than a k3.

Officially, they don't "convert interviews from k3 to CR/IR" so to speak. This causes some confusion I think, which is why some people have been told "no" by the consulate or NVC. You still need to prepare everything that's required for the k3 interview (e.g. pay visa fee, prepare I-134), even if the CO will agree to grant a CR/IR visa in the end.



QUOTE (A_I_S @ Oct 17 2008, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We're in the K3/CR1 situation. Both our interviews have already been scheduled, and as far as I can tell Moscow has already received our CR1 paperwork.
The K3 interview is on Oct 29th. I've been trying to convert that to a CR1 interview. Unfortunately, I seem to be running into a brick wall. The NVC says they do not deal with expedite interviews once an interview date has been set, so I have to deal with the embassy. The embassy operator told me that they only do expedites due to medical reasons.

So is there a magic trick/word/password I have to say when dealing with the embassy to get them to convert my K3 interview into a CR1? How were you able to do it?
Thanks,
Andrei

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-17 12:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConsulate needs I-130 docs but won't request from NVC to convert K3 to CR1 interview
QUOTE (LuLu @ Oct 1 2008, 08:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ninjarocket
How did the consulate notify NVC to forward the 130 paperwork? Did you contact the consulate first?


They responded to an email request that was sent from the NVC after my expedited request was received. This takes about a week.
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-17 12:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConsulate needs I-130 docs but won't request from NVC to convert K3 to CR1 interview
I did exactly this.

You need to send an expedite request email to NVC for your I-130 because the k3 interview is already scheduled. Give the case numbers, names, dates of birth in the email. Put the case number and attention supervisor in the subject line. You need to state that the consulate have agreed to do this provided NVC sends the I-130 documents.

Once done, ask to speak to a supervisor at NVC so that your email gets immediate attention (otherwise it will sit there in their inbox unread for 2 weeks). The standard operators might be reluctant to pass you to a supervisor (just as I have heard they are reluctant to let you have the convenience of paying fees online), but do insist. Only a supervisor can authorize an expedite request. Layla was the person who helped me.

Before NVC send the I-130 to the consulate, the NVC has to contact the consulate so that they can agree on an official interview data for the CR/IR visa. This takes time.

Once you arrive at the consulate for your k3 visa, you need to tell them that the I-130 paperwork is on its way, if this is the case. Then the CO might allow your you to switch visas, even after the interview if the k3 is not by that time already approved. Switching visas just requires the DS-230 to be signed in front of a CO.

Good luck!!!!

Since I'm about to hit the road, please check out some of my earlier threads on this matter.

QUOTE (cyberdeep @ Sep 29 2008, 10:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Our I-130 case was completed at NVC but is waiting for a Nov interview date. Chennai consulate has assigned a K3 interview date in Oct already. They are willing to convert that to a CR1 interview if they receive the docs. But NVC won't send the docs until they schedule an interview and consulate won't request the docs!

Sent emails to consulate, spoken to an operator at the consulate...but they say they can't request it. NVC can't do anything about it nor can the state dept. Tried to get an email from NVC stating that the consulate could do it but no replies from NVC. I guess we are just stuck waiting for a Nov interview date now.


http://www.visajourn...howtopic=153615
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=152923
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=152640
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=152599
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=153358

How have people been able to get the consulate to request documents from NVC? Has it worked with the Chennai consulate?



sorry, here are the threads: good luck!!!!

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=153615
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=152923
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=152640
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=152599
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=153358
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-17 12:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConsulate needs I-130 docs but won't request from NVC to convert K3 to CR1 interview
FYI, here's a copy of my email with sensitive info. removed. Please send this then ask to speak to a supervisor (e.g. Layla). The ordinary NVC phone operators can't and won't help you:


From: ******@****.***
Subject: MNL2008****** attention supervisor
Date: August 27, 2008 8:05:32 AM MDT
To: NVCINQUIRY@state.gov

case: MNL2008******
petitioner: **** ****, 1/8/1968
beneficiary: **** ****** ******, 11/17/1988
phone: 505 *******

reference: expedite request attention supervisor



Dear Sir/Madam,

I recently learnt that my case was completed at the NVC as a of 8/22/08. However, my wife (Nova Balili Maligro) has a k3-visa interview scheduled for 9/16/08. Would it be possible for the forwarding of the CR-visa/I130 file to the MNL consulate to be expedited so that the interview can be changed from a k3-visa to a CR-visa?

I have already spoken to a lady at the MNL consulate who informed me that this can be done provided the documents reach MNL before the interview date. My wife has already completed the medical examination and the case number for the k3-visa is MNL2008******.

yours sincerely

**** ********
**** ******** **** #***
Santa Fe
NM 875**
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-30 11:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConsulate needs I-130 docs but won't request from NVC to convert K3 to CR1 interview
Send in an expedite request to NVC by email explaining your situation and request. Then call NVC and ask to speak to a supervisor for it to get immediate attention. A lady by the name of Layla handled mine for me. NVC needs agreement from the consulate before they will forward the I-130 for the purpose of catching up with the k3.


QUOTE (cyberdeep @ Sep 29 2008, 10:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Our I-130 case was completed at NVC but is waiting for a Nov interview date. Chennai consulate has assigned a K3 interview date in Oct already. They are willing to convert that to a CR1 interview if they receive the docs. But NVC won't send the docs until they schedule an interview and consulate won't request the docs!

Sent emails to consulate, spoken to an operator at the consulate...but they say they can't request it. NVC can't do anything about it nor can the state dept. Tried to get an email from NVC stating that the consulate could do it but no replies from NVC. I guess we are just stuck waiting for a Nov interview date now.

How have people been able to get the consulate to request documents from NVC? Has it worked with the Chennai consulate?

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-30 07:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhen to email the choice of agent
YES

QUOTE (bleecker @ Oct 22 2008, 05:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can I send the choice of agent email even though the system still shows" no record of this case .. " ? I spoke to an operator and was told that the choice of agent and bill have been generated few days ago. Thank you for your advice.

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-22 06:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI need your answer please, help!
You need to have evidence with you on hand when you go to the interview and present it only if requested.

Proof of time that you spent physically together is the most important, plus financial support! Better if your fiance also goes to the consulate.


QUOTE (sam808 @ Oct 23 2008, 02:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Should I give hand the emails, chat logs, photos, and my fiance's bank records and other financial evidence all together at once? Thanks for responding everyone. My interview is on the 30th and I'm kinda nervous. Lol.

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-23 06:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCruise after CR1 visa
If the cruise involves you walking ashore at many destinations then it's possible that your wife may need to satisfy visa requirements for all of the countries visited. The the visa requirements for different citizens can be checked on their embassy websites. Some countries will have relaxed requirements for greencard holders. Some just won't care.


QUOTE (A_I_S @ Oct 22 2008, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I know that cruises require US passports for USCs...how do the rules apply to CR1 holders?
In the worst case scenario my wife will be flying into the US on Nov 29th. I was thinking of getting us a cruise in the middle of December to the Caribbean.
Would she have to meet the visa requirements of all ports of entry while on the cruise?

Does anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks.

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-23 06:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshelp with I 130
Unless you make the formal procedure of changing your name back to your maiden name and update all of your documents, it's best just to continue using your present legal name to avoid potential complications.




QUOTE (afia @ Oct 22 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HI
i am filling out i 130 for my husband and on i 130 i am writing my maiden name on it but on my passport and naturalization certificate i still have my married name from my ex-husband, do u guys think they will make an issue about it i also include a notarized letter about name and i am going to change my last name back to my maiden name on my passport too but its gonna take little while thats why i just want to file i 130 and do it later,
i am a petitioner and my husband is a beneficary
thanks

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-23 06:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurestax return
It sounds to me like your I-864 was accepted by the NVC, but how did the NVC manage to accept it and complete your case without the 2007 tax return?

Whatever NVC accepted will be transferred to the USEM.


QUOTE (xylide @ Oct 22 2008, 10:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
what if have not filed for 2007? what else to send? have 2006 and 2005 tax return already..

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-23 06:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUpgrading I-130 & Name Change
Whichever step in the process you are at, a name change can cause a delay. It's best to do it while your papers are at the USCIS service center, since they will already be spending much time there waiting for background checks etc...


QUOTE (atk_721 @ Oct 23 2008, 09:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I will be upgrading my pending I-130 tomorrow ,I also changed my name to my married name during the naturalization process.I will upgrade the petition over the phone but for name change I have to send a letter.
My questions are
1.Do i really have to change my name on I-130?
2.When should I send them a letter to update my name change?
3.I am planning to do it after the case is approved and transfered to NVC ,becuase at VSC,it might cause further delay in approval,Is that okay?

Please suggest
Thanks

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-24 10:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhat exactly is a FALSE RFE?
It's something you sometimes get from NVC when you use the shortcuts.

It happened to me. Two weeks after sending in my DS-230, I received a letter from NVC that my DS-230 had not be received. When I actually called NVC I found that my case had already completed several days earlier.




QUOTE (sasha414 @ Oct 24 2008, 05:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
what is a false RFE? and can anyone who tried this post examples of it? just so the rest of us wont panic too much

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-24 09:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUPGRADING STATUS on I-130
Filing an I-130 as the beneficiary of a LPR while in the US is very risky. Normally, such a beneficiary is a "preference relative" and needs to wait years (maybe 5 or more) for a visa number to become available. If you stay in the US beyond the tourist expiration visa expiration, you could be at risk of deportation and a temporary bar on entering the US.

The upgrade could possibly save you since your petitioner is now a US citizen. However, you shouldn't have sent in a I-485 with the I-130 while your petitioner was a LPR. Most likely you will now need to wait for the I-130 to be approved before filing the I-485, which could take some time.


QUOTE (cinthya85 @ Oct 24 2008, 01:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi there everyone im a canadian that is currently residing in florida with my husband
I entered as a tourist (since canadians dont need a visa to enter U.S). we filed form I-130 on aug 30/2008
and recieved I-797 on sept 6. When my husband filed he was a LPR and now on oct 18 became an american citizen.
The lawyer that filled out form I-130 told us not to take out his passport yet because we will need copies of his certificate of naturalization.
In addition he told us to get all the required documentation and fees so we can file the I-864.
He told me to get everything that is required, but the weird thing is he also said to do the medical examination done, isnt that a bit weird but i did
it just in case. Do i send the medical examination in when i send in the I-864? or wait till they ask for it?
I also went to get the Police Record and the officer put Cinthia Orozco instead of Cinthya, will I have problems with this ????
If i get this police record re done should i tell them to put my married name also , because in the application i put my married name, but in my candadian passport and all my id has my maiden name?
I called in and they told me in order to upgrade the status i'll need to send in proof (natur. certif) oh and they did upgrade by phone and they gave me a service order #, I sent the copy of the certificate today i mailed it in to the nebraska service center,
thats what they told me to do , should i have sent it somewhere else, and should i also fax it....whats the fax number just in case?
Also just wondering since i entered as a tourist what type of visa would that qualify as? The immigration officer I spoke with also told me to file form
I-765 and form I-131(for travel document) she said these two forms are free when u file form I-864. Just wondering can i pay the I-864 fee online also ,
do i pay it before i send it if i do pay it online? or is it only for dor ds-230 and the AOS u can pay online?
Remember my situation is a little different because im already in the U.S hopefully it goes a little faster... please pray for me!!!!
I've gained much knowledge from the posts i've read and has given me much clarity on the process , awesome recollection LingChe!!
If anyone here can shed a little light on my situation i'd greatly appreciate it, u can email me too... so i can see the response much quicker,
cinthyasmartinez@hotmail.com

Thank you and sorry bout the rambling....

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-24 09:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespriority date on NOA1
Quite normal. USCIS will just refer to receipt date with respect to processing times.


QUOTE (Speeditup @ Oct 26 2008, 06:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi im just wondering on my NOA1 for my i-130 and i-129f the box which says priority date in which i was expecting a date, was blank. Is this normal?????

I was expecting a date so that i could see an appoximate date for when it will be processed

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-26 08:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHUGE RFE
It ought to be completed within a couple of weeks once they received the the required docs.


QUOTE (e-migra @ Oct 26 2008, 02:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi!

Yesterday we got a huge NVC RFE: The entire DS-230 package!!!!! Our story: we had an embassy change, so we were able to pay/send I-864 but not DS-230. One week ago (after 1 month....) we were "changed", we had a new case #, and we could pay/send DS-230. I sent my husband all the docs on ultra super fast mail, but they are a bit lost on the Atlantic mad.gif .

Yesterday we got a RFE on the mail, requesting the DS-230 package!!!! My question is: once we send all the docs (and without more RFE), is our case going to be complete in 5 days?

Thanks, and GOOD LUCK!!!

e-migra (AGGGHHHH!)

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-26 07:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresName Change
If you want to change your name before receiving your green card you will have to do it in Malaysia before entering the US. Once you have successfully done this in Malaysia, you would then have to check with the US embassy with your new passport etc... in order to have the visa changed to reflect your legally modified name and that in your new passport. If you don't have your passport and visa changed, the green card will be in your maiden name. Hopefully the visa won't expire before all of this is completed! The temporary I-551 (CR visa) that is placed in your passport after the interview has a limited term of validity, after which you can't use it to enter the US anymore. The green card production doesn't begin unless you enter the US.

An alternative would be to enter the US first so as to obtain your green card and then return to Malaysia in order to legally change your name. You could then reenter the US before applying for you new passport and greencard. Once you enter the US, you can apply for new updated passport at the Malaysian embassy and then apply for a new green card that reflects your name change (using form I-90).

Alternatively, you could consider keeping your maiden name and then change to your married name when and if you apply for US citizenship in a few years. There is an option to change ones name during naturalization process. To me this sounds like a simpler and less risky route.


QUOTE (Brian&Mel @ Oct 25 2008, 02:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My CR1 visa has been approved. All this while, we filed with my maiden name. And now my husband and I are thinking about changing my name (first and last name). However we didn't register our marriage in Malaysia and Malaysian government doesn't recognise our marriage there. And also it is not common for women to change our last name after marriage in Malaysia. If we want to change our name, it will be a long and complicated process.

If I want to change my name now, shall I do it before or after the GC is issued? I understand there are some fees involved if I want to change my name now.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-25 13:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresName Change
If you want to change your name before receiving your green card you will have to do it in Malaysia before entering the US. Once you have successfully done this in Malaysia, you would then have to check with the US embassy with your new passport etc... in order to have the visa changed to reflect your legally modified name and that in your new passport. If you don't have your passport and visa changed, the green card will be in your maiden name. Hopefully the visa won't expire before all of this is completed! The temporary I-551 (CR visa) that is placed in your passport after the interview has a limited term of validity, after which you can't use it to enter the US anymore. The green card production doesn't begin unless you enter the US.

An alternative would be to enter the US first so as to obtain your green card and then return to Malaysia in order to legally change your name. You could then reenter the US before applying for you new passport and greencard. Once you enter the US, you can apply for new updated passport at the Malaysian embassy and then apply for a new green card that reflects your name change (using form I-90).

Alternatively, you could consider keeping your maiden name and then change to your married name when and if you apply for US citizenship in a few years. There is an option to change ones name during naturalization process. To me this sounds like a simpler and less risky route.


QUOTE (Brian&Mel @ Oct 25 2008, 02:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My CR1 visa has been approved. All this while, we filed with my maiden name. And now my husband and I are thinking about changing my name (first and last name). However we didn't register our marriage in Malaysia and Malaysian government doesn't recognise our marriage there. And also it is not common for women to change our last name after marriage in Malaysia. If we want to change our name, it will be a long and complicated process.

If I want to change my name now, shall I do it before or after the GC is issued? I understand there are some fees involved if I want to change my name now.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-25 12:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresINVOICE ID #
Sorry, but it's not too clear from this posting where you stand in the visa process. Maybe if you fill out your timeline, it would help.

When did you receive your NOA2 for the I-130? When did you become naturalized and upgrade the petition? Did you upgrade before or after the NOA2?

Certainly don't send in documents that haven't yet been requested.


QUOTE (cinthya85 @ Oct 26 2008, 09:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HI THERE EVERYONE I CALLED NVC ON SAT. AND THEY STILL HAVENT RECIEVED MY CASE FORM USCIS,
WE RECIEVED THE 1-797 ACTION OF NOTICE SEPT6 ITS BEEN LIKE 5 WEEKS , SHOULD I SEND IN A COPY OF THE i-797 TO THEM
OR WHAT???? ANOTHER THING TO MY HUSBAND IS ANXIOUS TO SEND IN THE I-864 PACKAGE , I WANTED TO WAIT AND GET THE
INVOICE ID# FIRST , WHAT DO U THINK WILL WE BE DELAYING THE PROCESS BY SENDING IN DOCUMENTS THAT THEY HAVENT YET ASKED FOR?
WE HAVE EVERYTHING READY, I FILLED OUT ALL THE FORMS AND HAVE ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION TO SEND IN ,
I CALLED USCIS TO UPRAGE OUR I-130 BECUASE MY HUSBAND IS NOW A CITIZEN, SO SHOULD I WAIT TO HEAR FROM THEM IM CONFUSED???

PLS HELP ME /// OHHH AND THE WHEN U PRINT THE BAR CODE SHOULD I PUT IT AS IT APPEARS EAC-09-9887, THE LINES IN BETWEEN OR JUST WRITE IT WITHOUT? AND DO ALL THE FORMS HAVE TO HAVE THIS BAR CODE ON IT? AND JUST ON THE FIRST PAGE???

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-27 06:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForm 134, Affidavit of Support
If a co-sponsor is required in your case, then the consulate staff will require that from your co-sponsor too.


QUOTE (sam808 @ Oct 27 2008, 02:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If the consul will ask me for the form 134, should I give it with our co-sponsors form 134?

Thanks for answering. Your answers really helps me alot. Thanks!

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-27 06:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresphotocopies for the interview
Original copies (or certified copies where appropriate) are required for the interview appointment.


QUOTE (sam808 @ Oct 27 2008, 03:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
From all the documents needed for my interview, what are those that I need to photocopy? And how many copies do I need? Thanks.

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-27 06:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmails for Evidence,
Actual visits carry much more weight than emails. Plus you must also have substantial phone records?


QUOTE (manishnyati @ Oct 26 2008, 10:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife lives in a village of India and the internet is extremely slow so we never use the method of communicating online. However, we do try to talk 2 times a day everyday. Do I need to worry about the emails as evidence? I have proof that I went to see my wife again during the summer and we went to Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand for her birthday.

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-26 20:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresds230 question
If the DS-230 has already been sent and NVC has accepted it, there may be an opportunity to correct some information at the consulate.

If you send it in again now after NVC has already accepted it, you could risk delays.


QUOTE (mina saini @ Oct 26 2008, 08:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everybody my husband send me a copy of ds230 for me to review it in case he made any mistakes. is it ok if i correct it and answer some questions that he missed? would nvc make big deal or should i have him send the form again?

also, he had filled part 1 and part 2 and not signed part 2. is that correct? just making sure bc i dont want any rfe's.
thanks every1

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-27 06:56:00