Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Email from NVC-Kinda Amusing	Just thought I'd share an amusing little tidbit here! I sent an email to the NVC about two weeks ago with a question about the I-864 (before I started asking many of my questions here! hehe). After two weeks of waiting, the NVC sends me an email saying they just don't know the answer. I had to laugh at it. I'm emailing them, asking them what they want, and they wait two weeks to email me back and tell me they don't know what they want???? hehe thought this was amusing It seems funny yes, but what they want exactly about what did you ask them?...they are overworked on there, so in my opinion, if the question is vague, they might answer vaguely. Yeah I know what you mean. Actually, I thought my question was pretty focused. I explained the cirumstances in a clear way. I just thought it was kinda strange to receive an email reply after so long with no answer, and I also wonder, if they don't know the answer to that question, what they are going to do with my I-864 when reviewing it. Cheers! I see you already sent your ds0230..(in a few days i'll do so also) .so i assume you found the answers to your questions...we also e-mailed them being new at the nvc, but hubby could talk to them on the phone...we never got the answer by e-mail but we got it when he talked on the phone...well sort of...so it seems it works better live! good luck with your petition!... Well, we didn't actually get the answer until the NVC sent the I-864 back and said we need to fix it. That happened on Friday and we're sending back the corrected version along with support they requested this morning. Another delay, which was what I was trying to avoid. What I'm now learning is that they don't want long explanations or extra info. They just want exactly what they ask for and I think the rest gets sorted at the interview. Good luck on your petition as well! We're just hoping the rest of the process goes smoothly.	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-08-13 02:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Email from NVC-Kinda Amusing	Just thought I'd share an amusing little tidbit here! I sent an email to the NVC about two weeks ago with a question about the I-864 (before I started asking many of my questions here! hehe). After two weeks of waiting, the NVC sends me an email saying they just don't know the answer. I had to laugh at it. I'm emailing them, asking them what they want, and they wait two weeks to email me back and tell me they don't know what they want???? hehe thought this was amusing It seems funny yes, but what they want exactly about what did you ask them?...they are overworked on there, so in my opinion, if the question is vague, they might answer vaguely. Yeah I know what you mean. Actually, I thought my question was pretty focused. I explained the cirumstances in a clear way. I just thought it was kinda strange to receive an email reply after so long with no answer, and I also wonder, if they don't know the answer to that question, what they are going to do with my I-864 when reviewing it. Cheers!	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-08-09 02:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Email from NVC-Kinda Amusing	Just thought I'd share an amusing little tidbit here! I sent an email to the NVC about two weeks ago with a question about the I-864 (before I started asking many of my questions here! hehe). After two weeks of waiting, the NVC sends me an email saying they just don't know the answer. I had to laugh at it. I'm emailing them, asking them what they want, and they wait two weeks to email me back and tell me they don't know what they want???? hehe thought this was amusing	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-07-27 18:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Did anyone received Checklist from NVC	I received a "Checklist" last week but it wasn't for the DS-230 as I had already returned that. Our Checklist was because something was missing on the I-864 that they needed. I had included my tax returns but not the actual P60 (W2) which they wanted. So, I sent that back with the Checklist and now they seem happy. Just do whatever the Checklist says and try not to over-complicate it. I'm learning day by day that they don't want long explanations or over-complications. Just follow whatever the instructions tell you.	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-08-21 02:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	NVC Case Complete	Congratulations and good luck with the interview!!!	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-08-16 02:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I got approved this morning!	Congrats!!!!!!!!! Time to celebrate!!!!!!!! hehe	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-08-22 17:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	AOS Package incomplete	I got the same message last night and this is the second time we have had to do a revision of our I-864 packet. It's so devastating to get these setbacks! Last time they sent us the checklist that asked for the W2 (or P60 in my case as living in the UK for the past two years). They were also confused about extra info I had sent....I'm learning to do the basics and no more. Apparently what we sent back wasn't what they wanted because now they have sent out another checklist. Each of these delays the process by at least a week if not more. I'm gonna be calling them later as well to speak to an operator about it and find out more details. At least we are all in this together!	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-08-27 04:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Question	I called last night and spoke to an operator at the NVC who was really helpful. What the message means is so far they've received what they need fom you for processing. Although it says 6-8 weeks, it usually doesn't take that long. The lady last night says they receive my info on 20/08 and that it will probably be completed first week of September, so much as Jigi said. The lady also reminded me the automated voice service is helpful but doesn't always have the most up to date information, so it does benefit to talk to a live operator sometimes.	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-08-28 02:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	When is the best time?	I was the same way but just got through finally last night. I just kept trying every five minutes until I got put on hold and then to an operator who was very kind and helpful. Keep trying.	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-08-28 17:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	NVC CASE COMPLETE	Congratulations on the great news! Now on to triumph at the interview!	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-08-28 17:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Question on case complete	I know it's difficult to have patience in these circumstances. I gotta tell you that last time I spoke to an operator she told me that the automated system is not always up to date and that the live operators can give you more information. If you're really concerned, doesn't hurt to call and speak to a live operator. At least then you'll have some peace of mind.	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-09-12 04:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	If enter US after two year anniversary	Make sure you mention to the POE officer that you have passed your two year anniversary (or the interview officer) so they can change it for you. They won't always notice it right away so you need to bring it to their attention.	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-09-14 03:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Packet 3 or 4?	The NVC already asked for the DS-230 a long time ago and I completed and returned it. I also followed the link that was on the instructions that came for the DS-230 to check which documents I needed to have ready for the interview. I actually already knew about the police certificates, so I've got them already as well. I'm not sure what else they could want from me for a "Packet 3" so I'm hoping the next thing to come will be Interview date and instructions for making the medical appointment. Also, not sure if it changes anything but we are doing an IR-1 visa as we've been married over two years now. You guys are all so great. Can I ask your honest opinions? My case left the NVC on 5th September. My husband and I were looking on moving to the states by 12th October. Is this even slightly a possibility according to normal timeframes? Many thanks!!!	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-09-12 18:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Packet 3 or 4?	I have a question about the interview/medical dates. Do these dates actually come with Packet 3, or do you get them after you send back packet 3? Is this what comes in Packet 4? My case has already left the NVC on Sept 5, so just waiting for Packet 3 now from London.	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-09-12 04:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	All done!	Just wanted to say congratulations and enjoy your lives together!	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-09-21 16:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	How crazy have i gone..lol	Happy Anniversary! Hey, don't beat yourself up about forgetting. This immigration stuff takes a lot out of you! I've forgotten a million things over the past 8 months! hehe	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-09-19 03:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DS230 Form	QUOTE (Cuong @ Oct 5 2007, 01:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (willchels @ Oct 5 2007, 03:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> That's right! I just recalled that if you file through the NVC (as you have done) the beneficiary only receives a Packet 4 with the interview date. It cuts out the packet 3 step because you've already completed that process with the NVC. What kind of forms is in packet 3? Packet 3 would include instructions for scheduling the medical, a DS-230 form (which you would have already sent to NVC), and a list of other documents you would need to bring to the interview (Police Certificates, birth certificates, marriage....so on). You should have really already received that information, so your partner should only receive Packet 4 with the date of the interview.	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-10-05 09:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DS230 Form	That's right! I just recalled that if you file through the NVC (as you have done) the beneficiary only receives a Packet 4 with the interview date. It cuts out the packet 3 step because you've already completed that process with the NVC.	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-10-05 03:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DS230 Form	QUOTE (Cuong @ Oct 4 2007, 07:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Can someone help me with some questions? Need help on the Choice of Agent and Address form (DS 230). Can the petitioner sign the form and send it back to NVC? Which box should I check if I (the petitioner) want to be the agent? If the petitioner is the agent that's going to receive all the paperwork, does it mean that he's the one who's going to receive Packet 3, Packet 4, and the interview letter? thank-you in advance for all that's helping or trying to help! Hello there. I'm going to tell you what I think, and then if anyone else has different advice they can post it as well. From my understanding, the beneficiary must sign the choice of agent form, making you the agent and using your US address. After that point, you will be able to act as agent. However, you shouldn't receive the Packet 3 and 4 because they will be sent directly from the beneficiary's local embassy and directly to the beneficiary. That's how it worked in our situation. It is recommended however that the beneficiary does appoint the petitioner as agent with their US address to avoid any delays. Hope that helps! Good luck!	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-10-04 02:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	K3 or IR-1/CR-1	I agree. The IR-1 Visa does take longer, but it is well worth it. Once you have the green card you won't need to do anything else for 10 years. Also, the IR1 visa is permanent, only the green card itself expires, so after 10 years you have to get a new green card. It's a much better way to go, and probably a lot less stressful in the long run. Good luck with the decision!	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-10-05 09:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	When Long Process causes stress Due to NVC	For my husband and I, the process has been very stressful, but I think in the long run it has brought us closer together. You know, most people never have to go through what we all are going through. They don't have to fight to be able to live with their spouse. Maybe the reason there is so much divorce these days is that people take for granted having their husband or wife there with them, and what a precious gift that is. I know this process has made me appreciate my husband even more because I had to fight to be with him. It's worth it in the long run. We just have to hold our heads high and push onward.	willchels	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-08-28 02:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-864 USC lives and works in the U.K	Edited by vamos, 07 January 2007 - 02:56 PM.	vamos	Male	Scotland	2007-01-07 14:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-864 USC lives and works in the U.K	My wife and I are about to file the I-864 file but looking at the step-by-step instructions there's one big obstacle; my wife is not domiciled in the U.S. We've been living together in Scotland for almost 2 years now. The only exception I can see being plausible is the one in part 4 (B): "You are living abroad temporarily". I'm hoping that my wife's "Limited Leave to Remain" marriage visa will come under "proof...that a foreign government has authorized a temporary stay". I called USCIS and was given the advice "I don't know, give it a try anyway". I was wondering if anybody has had to deal with a similar problem and if they were able to get around it in a similar way. I really don't want my wife to have to go back first without me as it's important to my family that we're both here until I get my visa.	vamos	Male	Scotland	2007-01-04 18:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-864 Assets...	Thank you . Same to you.	vamos	Male	Scotland	2007-01-15 17:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-864 Assets...	When sending bank statements would it be necessary to include the balance in dollars at the bottom using the current exchange rate or will this not be an issue?	vamos	Male	Scotland	2007-01-15 16:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	London Embassy Interview - APPROVED!!!	Well done James! It must be a huge relief after such a drawn out process. Coincidentally, my wife and I flew back from London the day you had your interview. I had my medical on Tuesday.	vamos	Male	Scotland	2007-03-01 13:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Affidavit of support/Income & IRS	Good I'm glad you managed to get a hold of someone. What does NRA stand for? Yes, I believe they do only count US earned income. My income doesn't meet the requirements anyway. I'm using my dad as a joint sponsor. Thanks for your reply ! I managed to reach somebody from the consulate in Frankfurt and they were really helpful. It is easier then it looks like. They told me to file seperately and instead of putting the SSN of my husband to write NRA...I have a question to you: Are you using your income to fullfill the income requirements or assets only ? I am working for a german company and I guess they only count income earned in or for the US, right ? Regards Flea	Fatty	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-10-09 13:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Affidavit of support/Income & IRS	I'm going through the same thing just now, but in the UK. I didn't realise I had to be filing taxes in the USA. My income is not enough to meet poverty lines either but I still need to file taxes. However, if you have made less than the minium filing requirement, you won't need to file. Here's a chart from the embassy in London http://www.usembassy.../irs/irswho.htm I've been told to file as married person filing seperately, even though my husband won't file and doesn't have a SSN. I only made more than the $3,200 minimum one of the three years, so I am only filing for that one year. You might need to file 1040 and 2555. The 2555 is the foreign exclusion form, which states that you do not need to pay US taxes. Have you seen www.irs.gov You can download the forms from there and there are instructions and faqs too.	Fatty	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-10-07 06:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	shots	My kids require the hep B vaccine (IR-2 visas) and we were told by the doctors who do the medical, that they only require evidence that they have started the series of innoculations. They don't require to have completed them for the visa. My kids have had one shot of it and the medical is on Monday. We will complete the course in time, but we expect to give them the third shot when they are already in the USA. And yes, from everything I have read, for the K visas you are not required to have the vaccinations, although it is advised since they will be required for adjusting status later in the US. I hope this helps calm some nerves. I know how it can be to be going full speed ahead and then suddenly feel like you've hit a brick wall. This whole journey seems to be full of ups and downs, like a rollercoster. It'll all be worth it in the end	Fatty	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-11-16 18:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-864 - USC Lives and Works in UK	So even if we have no income we just have to provide evidence of 5 x 125% of the poverty level and we'll be ok? Thanks.	approveus	Not Telling	Scotland	2006-05-07 12:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-864 - USC Lives and Works in UK	My wife and I married in the UK Feb 2005 and she applied for her UK work permit shortly after and we have been living and working here in the UK since March 2005. In May last year we filed our I-130 DCF in London. They turned us down because we had only been married for 3 months. This meant we had to file with TSC and wait it out. My I-130 has been approved and we at the stage of completing the I-864. My wife no longer has a US based income and we are worried about how this might effect our application. Will they accept her UK income as evidence? If not will we have to come up with five times the poverty level in assets? I know we can get a co-sponsor but we want to avoid this if possible. Many thanks. JG	approveus	Not Telling	Scotland	2006-05-06 10:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Waiting Times - London	I just mailed the $380 fee bill to the NVC today. Can anyone tell me how long it might be before I can expect an interview in London. I filed my I-130 a year ago now and things are really starting to drag..... Many thanks.	approveus	Not Telling	Scotland	2006-05-03 13:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview wait?	A letter came from the NVC today stating that they have completed their processing of my case and forwarded it to the Embassy in London. I'm just wondering how long it will be before I hear anything from the Embassy? Also, when will I get my medical and is it correct that I can now have the medical in Scotland instead of travelling to London. Does anyone have any idea how long it will be before my interview? Thanks everyone! Edited by jamiegalloway, 29 November 2006 - 12:34 PM.	approveus	Not Telling	Scotland	2006-11-29 12:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	interview	Great list! I've been married to my wife for almost two years and known her for four and I don't think I can answer all these!	approveus	Not Telling	Scotland	2006-12-13 09:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	London Embassy	I received a letter stating that my case has been passed to the Embassy in London. I'm wondering how long I should wait before contacting them. I received the letter in mid October. Many thanks and Happy Holidays!!!	approveus	Not Telling	Scotland	2006-12-24 10:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	London Embassy	It's been over 6 weeks since my case was forwarded to the Embassy in London and I haven't heard anything. Does anyone know the best way to find out if they have even received it yet? Many thanks. I feel like I'm getting close but the waiting is driving me crazy!!! I know you all understand.	approveus	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-01-04 12:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview date	Apparently my case was forwarded mid November to the London Embassy and I haven't heard anything. What is DoS?	approveus	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-01-06 13:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I HAVE MY VISA xxx	Great news! What did they ask? Any tricky questions? Any advice for those awaiting interview?	approveus	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-01-05 06:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	London Embassy	Apparently my case was forwarded to the Embassy on November 15, 2006 but I still haven't head anything from them. How do you find out if the Embassy has received you case?	approveus	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-01-03 14:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Recent Travel Experiences While Applying for CR-1	I have entered the US five times in the last 12 months under the Visa Waiver Programme and I've never even been asked about a pending visa application. I've entered in Miami, NYC, Los Angeles and Houston all without so much as a raised eyebrow. Each time however I have carried documentation supporting my application as well as evidence that I plan to return home, i.e. bank accounts, mortgage statements etc. Don't hide anything but I wouldn't mention in unless they ask. Good luck!	approveus	Not Telling	Scotland	2007-01-19 12:59:00