Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I´ve Rested my case	Just to keep you guys updated on my case. DS-230 was entered into the NVC system last monday (2/26). I guess I should be hearing from them in two or three weeks. Hopefully I won´t get a RFE, as my I-864 application was a little weak. I need your prayers people, and wish all of your cases are solved soon as well. In the meantime, I´ve been organizing an expanding file folder with all the documents my wife will need to submit at the interview. I might want to share a picture of it when I finish it, so it may help others. Thanks, -Justo. 01-28-06 - Wedding I- 130 09-13-06 - Mailed I-130 09-18-06 - CSC received 09-25-06 - NOA1 mailed 09-28-06 - NOA1 received 12-11-06 - RFE mailed 12-13-06 - RFE received 12-14-06 - Mailed RFE (Birth Certificate) 12-21-06 - RFE received 12-27-06 - Petition approved!!! 12-28-06 - NOA2 mailed / E-mail notified 01-04-06 - NOA2 received NVC 01-05-07 - Assigned case number 01-15-07 - DS-2032(Choice of Agent Generated)/AOS I-864 bill generated 01-17-07 - E-mailed Choice of Agent 01-20-07 - Mailed AOS I-864 payment 01-29-07 - AOS application and IV Bill generated 02-05-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) application sent 02-05-07 - IV Bill received 02-07-07 - IV Bill sent (Overnight) 02-07-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) received at NVC 02-08-07 - IV Bill received at the Saint Louis Center (12:32pm) 02-12-07 - IV Bill entered into NVC system 02-19-07 - DS-230 package generated 02-20-07 - DS-230 sent 02-23-07 - DS-230 received at NVC (8:17am) 02-26-07 - DS-230 package entered into NVC system	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-03-02 22:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Case Reviewed... RFEhttp://www.visajourney.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif	Thanks Riblet, what you say makes sense. I´ve been reading other post related to my situation and I´ve found similar experiences. I will find out for sure on Monday. Early today I had a difficult time explaining this to my wife on the Messenger. She gets nervous and a bit paranoid, not knowing all the in and outs of the process. I mentioned to her that they might ask me about my 2006 income tax return (which is still pending for approval of an ITIN request to my wife). I included my 2005 income tax return info in the I-864EZ. Or they could ask about an employer letter. I haven´t had a steady employer for the past 4 months, which puts me in an awkward situation. Now, the 2005 income tax puts me over the US Poverty Line. But again, they might want to know about my 2006 income. So, that´s why I´m a little worried. My wife doesn´t want me to ask my brother in law to co-sponsor (if it is necessary). He is a trustworthy guy (Missouri, he comes from) and has always offered to help. Since I have never bothered him, this will be that opportunity to ask. The other odd thing is that the NVC automated message was out on a Friday. See, I called just by chance, knowing that they usually update your case every Tuesday. Thanks for the relief, will keep you posted. -Justo.	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-03-03 19:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Case Reviewed... RFEhttp://www.visajourney.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif	According to the VRU at NVC, my case was reviewed this week and additional evidence is being requested. A letter was sent Friday with a list of the documents needed. I will be calling on Monday to find out what documents my case is missing. Does anyone knows if the operator will be able to tell me this information?. I don´t want to wait for their letter in the S N A I L M A I L, ( I still haven´t received the DS-230 package). I´m assuming my AOS (I-864EZ) has issues with my income tax/employment situation. If this is the case, I have already put in gear plan B, which is to resubmit I-864EZ with a co-sponsor. I hope I´m wrong and get a RFE on my DS-230 instead. I´ll keep you posted. On the positive side, I feel good about my case been reviewed relatevely fast. I was expecting between two or three weeks for a decision. So, probably my case should´ve been closed last Friday had they not requested for additional evidence. That´s why I need to find ASAP what documents or information they are asking from me. Any tips, suggestions? -Justo. 01-28-06 - Wedding I- 130 09-13-06 - Mailed I-130 09-18-06 - CSC received 09-25-06 - NOA1 mailed 09-28-06 - NOA1 received 12-11-06 - RFE mailed 12-13-06 - RFE received 12-14-06 - Mailed RFE (Birth Certificate) 12-21-06 - RFE received 12-27-06 - Petition approved!!! 12-28-06 - NOA2 mailed / E-mail notified 01-04-06 - NOA2 received NVC 01-05-07 - Assigned case number 01-15-07 - DS-2032(Choice of Agent Generated)/AOS I-864 bill generated 01-17-07 - E-mailed Choice of Agent 01-20-07 - Mailed AOS I-864 payment 01-29-07 - AOS application and IV Bill generated 02-05-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) application sent 02-05-07 - IV Bill received 02-07-07 - IV Bill sent (Overnight) 02-07-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) received at NVC 02-08-07 - IV Bill received at the Saint Louis Center (12:32pm) 02-12-07 - IV Bill entered into NVC system 02-19-07 - DS-230 package generated 02-20-07 - DS-230 sent 02-23-07 - DS-230 received at NVC (8:17am) 02-26-07 - DS-230 package entered into NVC system 03-02.07 - Case reviewed / RFE Edited by Justo/Sheyla, 03 March 2007 - 02:43 PM.	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-03-03 14:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-130 approved (NOA2)... what's next?	Hi, I received my I-130 via email today yay! What's the next step? How do i know that my case has been forwarded to NVC? Can my husband start getting his police certificate now? What can I do in the mean time? Thanks for all your support and help, vj! Call NVC about a week from today to find out about your case. Have your CIS receipt number ready for them to find out if or when your case has been assigned. Wait for your case to be completed at NVC and forwarded to your husband US Consulate. Once the US Consulate gets the case, it will send your husband an instruction package. Usually they give you a month to get all documents and medical examinations ready for the interview. As soon as your case is assigned at NVC, be on the watch on when the DS-2030 (Choice of Agent) form is generated. When this happens, your husband has to send an e-mail to assing you as his Choice of Agent.	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-03-14 22:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CASE COMPLETE!!!	Hi Justo/Sheyla, First of all, congratulations! I'm a newbie here but I've been using VJ to look for answers to my questions. My husband has filed an immigrant petition for myself in July 2006 and we learned that our case was completed last Feb. 13/07. Before it got completed, NVC have sent us an RFE letter, asking for an original/certified true copy of my birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance (Canada) and NBI clearance (Philippines). All of these were sent to my lawyer in California and it took awhile for me to gather all of it (approximately a month). Anyway, we're guessing that an interview might be available for us in April but the last time I checked NVC's automated machine, nothing has happened. I'm getting so frustrated, it's been a month and no updates for us. My lawyer wasn't that very helpful too. I wanted to spend my 1st year anniversary with my husband. My birthday is also in April and I would love to spend it with him. Goodluck to both of you! Tessa & Carlos my thoughts to you is to call NVC and talk to an operator. Ask them what´s going on with your case. Insist on getting clear answers as sometimes they are not that kind or hepful. Good luck.	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-03-19 23:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CASE COMPLETE!!!	I have never been superticious, but our case was completed on a Tuesday 13th. I´m a now a believer. Exactly six months after sending I-130. It was strange how I find out on my case from the NVC. I´ve been calling them every other day for about two weeks to check on our status, and I´ve spent ( as many of you already know) about 10 minutes on average to be assisted by an operator. Well, today it was different. It was 8 am EDT when I called, but instead of being prompted by the recorded voice message, I got a live voice... very rare indeed. And that´s the way my phone crusade with NVC came to a close. Ten more days for the case to arrive at Managua. I inmediately called my wife and woke her up to share the news. My next update will be after my wife receives Instruction Packet. -Justo. 01-28-06 - Wedding I- 130 09-13-06 - Mailed I-130 09-18-06 - CSC received 09-25-06 - NOA1 mailed 09-28-06 - NOA1 received 12-11-06 - RFE mailed 12-13-06 - RFE received 12-14-06 - Mailed RFE (Birth Certificate) 12-21-06 - RFE received 12-27-06 - Petition approved!!! 12-28-06 - NOA2 mailed / E-mail notified 01-04-06 - NOA2 received NVC 01-05-07 - Assigned case number 01-15-07 - DS-2032(Choice of Agent Generated)/AOS I-864 bill generated 01-17-07 - E-mailed Choice of Agent 01-20-07 - Mailed AOS I-864 payment 01-29-07 - AOS application and IV Bill generated 02-05-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) application sent 02-05-07 - IV Bill received 02-07-07 - IV Bill sent (Overnight) 02-07-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) received at NVC 02-08-07 - IV Bill received at the Saint Louis Center (12:32pm) 02-12-07 - IV Bill entered into NVC system 02-19-07 - DS-230 package generated 02-20-07 - DS-230 sent 02-23-07 - DS-230 received at NVC (8:17am) 02-26-07 - DS-230 package entered into NVC system 03-13-07 - CASE COMPLETE Edited by Justo/Sheyla, 14 March 2007 - 08:16 PM.	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-03-14 20:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Case Forwarded to Managua Consulate	Just a quick update, NVC sent the case on wednesday march 21st. Looking at other timelines, it takes about a week for the Consulate to receive the case. I have already e-mailed the consulate and they told me that the interview date will be take place 4-6 weeks after they sent the instrucctions package to my wife. That means second week of May. Can´t complain... the only thing I´m a little worried is if the Consulate will scrutinize on my income/job situation. I don´t understand why will they ask me to submit another Affidavit of Support. Don´t they get all this information from the one you send to the NVC. After all, they charge you $70.00 for the I-864. Anyhow... I want to assume that the Managua Consulate doesn´t deal with a lot of cases like mine, so it should be taken care of it fast. Just a sidenote, I applied for an ITIN for my wife to fill my Income Tax Return as married. It has been seven weeks already and I haven´t got any response from IRS. My Affidavit of Support has my 2005 information. -Justo. 01-28-06 - Wedding I- 130 09-13-06 - Mailed I-130 09-18-06 - CSC received 09-25-06 - NOA1 mailed 09-28-06 - NOA1 received 12-11-06 - RFE mailed 12-13-06 - RFE received 12-14-06 - Mailed RFE (Birth Certificate) 12-21-06 - RFE received 12-27-06 - Petition approved!!! 12-28-06 - NOA2 mailed / E-mail notified 01-04-06 - NOA2 received NVC 01-05-07 - Assigned case number 01-15-07 - DS-2032(Choice of Agent Generated)/AOS I-864 bill generated 01-17-07 - E-mailed Choice of Agent 01-20-07 - Mailed AOS I-864 payment 01-29-07 - AOS application and IV Bill generated 02-05-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) application sent 02-05-07 - IV Bill received 02-07-07 - IV Bill sent (Overnight) 02-07-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) received at NVC 02-08-07 - IV Bill received at the Saint Louis Center (12:32pm) 02-12-07 - IV Bill entered into NVC system 02-19-07 - DS-230 package generated 02-20-07 - DS-230 sent 02-23-07 - DS-230 received at NVC (8:17am) 02-26-07 - DS-230 package entered into NVC system 03-13-07 - CASE COMPLETE 03-21-07 - Case forwarded to Managua consulate Edited by Justo/Sheyla, 22 March 2007 - 03:58 PM.	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-03-22 15:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	They´ve got my case!!!	The US Consulate in Managua, Nicaragua has recived our case. Six months into the process. I´m looking forward for an interview on the second week of may. Will keep you posted. -Justo 01-28-06 - Wedding I- 130 09-13-06 - Mailed I-130 09-18-06 - CSC received 09-25-06 - NOA1 mailed 09-28-06 - NOA1 received 12-11-06 - RFE mailed 12-13-06 - RFE received 12-14-06 - Mailed RFE (Birth Certificate) 12-21-06 - RFE received 12-27-06 - Petition approved!!! 12-28-06 - NOA2 mailed / E-mail notified 01-04-06 - NOA2 received NVC 01-05-07 - Assigned case number 01-15-07 - DS-2032(Choice of Agent Generated)/AOS I-864 bill generated 01-17-07 - E-mailed Choice of Agent 01-20-07 - Mailed AOS I-864 payment 01-29-07 - AOS application and IV Bill generated 02-05-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) application sent 02-05-07 - IV Bill received 02-07-07 - IV Bill sent (Overnight) 02-07-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) received at NVC 02-08-07 - IV Bill received at the Saint Louis Center (12:32pm) 02-12-07 - IV Bill entered into NVC system 02-19-07 - DS-230 package generated 02-20-07 - DS-230 sent 02-23-07 - DS-230 received at NVC (8:17am) 02-26-07 - DS-230 package entered into NVC system 03-13-07 - CASE COMPLETE 03-21-07 - Case forwarded to Managua consulate 03-28-07 - Case received at Managua consulate	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-03-29 23:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Name Change, Photographs & Filling out Forms	Greetings to all Spouse VISA-ERS OUT THERE: I hope that everyone's process is going well. I have three questions about filing the I-130 petition: 1. Name Change: My fiance and I got married on March 8th. I would like to change my name to take his last name--Cayasso. However, I am afraid that this is going to complicate our visa processing because I will have one name on the application and a different name on my passport etc. (my original name). Can anyone advise me on the pros and cons of that? Thank you! 2. Photographs: There is no way that the way that they complete "eye-balling" method used at the photo place we went to in Nicaragua is going to meet the specific requirements laid out in the 4-page description on the u.s.c.i.s website. I mean, to me it looks like a normal passport photo ...but do I really need to actually get out my ruler and see if it meets the specifications? Should I take a picture and try to post it for you to see? 3. Filling out I-130 Form/G-325A Biographical Form: Is it preferrable to fill it out on-line within the actual Adobe Acrobat software or is it ok for him to just sign the form, send it to me and I can fill it out with black pen (HE HAS TERRIBLE HANDWRITING)! Thank you all for any advice you can send my way! Phoebe 1. I would wait after the process is complete for a name change, it complicates or delays everything. I don´t see the need to do it now. My wife has told me she will change her first name (spelling, she keeps her last name). 2. I would really need to see the picture. All I can say is that most phto places in Nicaragua are familiar with passport type photos. But if it becomes an issue at the US Consulate or the NVC, they will let you know and probably ask for a new one. 3. Ask him to sing the form and send it to you. You then fill it out. That´s what I did. Good Luck. My Case is on its way to the US Consulate in Managua. It should arrive this week. -Justo. Edited by Justo/Sheyla, 28 March 2007 - 11:27 PM.	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-03-28 23:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Applying for Social Security Number, Got Conditional Green Card CR-1	Does my spouse needs to go apply for the Social Security Number or does the Social Security Number (Card) will come by mail since my spouse answered 'YES' in the DS-230 for the Social Security Administration to assign a SSN card? Thanks!!!! Sergio The Social Security Card should arrive two to three weeks after your spouse enters the USA. Contact the Social Security Administration or USCIS if you move or change your mailing address. If three weeks have passed and the SS Card has not arrived contact USCIS to make sure that your wife is in the records. I have a cousin who waited a months for her card but after calling USCIS, she was told that the officer at the Point Of Entry (POE) failed to process properly the paperwork for her. She then had to go to the local USCIS office to start whatever wasn´t done at the POE. She received her Social Security Card in two weeks after that. Good Luck!	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-04-12 19:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview on May 7th	Justo: Have you read the entire Embassy review posted by Ricardo? I am going to see if I can paste it below because I went through the entire thing and organized it in a way that would be helpful to me step-by-step: AT THE EMBASSY: INTERVIEW DAY (PRE-INTERVIEW PROCESSES) I. GOING THROUGH SECURITY & INTO THE FIRST WAITING ROOM ETC. When you first go into the embassy you have to pass through Airport types of security measures. § Once you are inside they have a waiting area for a preliminary screening process where they ask you questions regarding your visit and then they inspect your paper work to make sure they you have everything you need before going into the Actual Main waiting room for your visa interview. § Since we were late to arrive there wasn't to many people ahead of us. § From what I witnessed in this preliminary screening process they did not reject anyone from going to the Main Interview waiting room. § When it was our turn to get attended during this prelimary screening they saw that we were late for our K-1 interview and did not ask us any further questions and they quickly proceeded to escort us to the main interview waiting room. § We passed another group of people in an outside waiting area (I think these were people who were there applying for a regular Tourist Visa)and § Then we had to pass another type of Airport type of security before they actually let us in to the Main Interview waiting room. II. INSIDE THE MAIN INTERVIEW WAITING ROOM § Once we were inside they told us to take a seat and our name would be called. § The people that worked at the embassy were behind a glass window. The embassy had about 8 or so windows that were attending visa request (4 for Non-Immigrant visas (tourist visas) and 4 for immigrant visas (i.e. K-1). § We waited for about 2 hours before we being called up to a window. III. DOCUMENTS THAT THE STAFF WILL ASK FOR BEFORE INTERVIEW The lady there had our case in hand and told us to hand over to her our papers. o First the DS-156 & DS156k Forms o Then my fiancée’s birth certificate (We had gotten her birth certificate from our town's Mayor's office and the lady at the embassy told us that she needed a birth certificate from the Managua National Center. Luckily they let us submit the birth certificate that we brought). NICE PEOPLE! o The medical exam results o Police Records o Proof of our relationship— 1. We submitted some pictures 2. E-mail records 3. Telephone records and 4. Some of my passport entry records from my prior visits) o Finally our I-134 packet (with all the items mentioned above). § The lady reviewed all of our paper work and told us to take a seat. THE ACTUAL INTERVIEW IN THE EMBASSY; ) SOURCE: VISAJOURNEY.COM EVALUATION OF MANAGUA EMBASSY We again waited for about 1 1/2 hours before being called again, this time at a different window and by a Man. § When he called us up to the window he simply asked me in English several easy question about our relationship: o When and how did when meet? o Has either of us ever been married? o Do either of you have any children? § After answering his question he gave us a card/slip, which is for the Nicaraguan Mail Service and told us that our case was approved!!! § He also said that her passport would arrive in the mail with the Visa inside. § With the card that he gave us we went to a table that is for the Nicaraguan Mail Service that was setup inside the waiting area. § We handed the lady the card and she told us that we can pickup her passport along with the packet 4 at the Juigalpa Post office in about 4 days. § She gave us a pickup slip and told us to present the pickup slip and her I.D. along with the equivalent of $8.00 in order to pickup her items at the post office. Basically the interview process at the embassy is pretty straightforward. If you have all your papers in line then I do not see a reason why you should have any problems. The hard part is just gathering the paper work. I did not give it a 5 rating because the waiting time at the interview is pretty bad. Note: We noticed that almost everyone applying for a immigrant visa was approved (out of about 30 cases I think only 2 were denied). GOOD LUCK ON MONDAY! IT'S MY BIRTHDAY AND I'LL BE THINKING OF YOU ALL! PHOEBE P.S. IS IT NECESSARY TO GET THE POLICE RECORD ETC. TRANSLATED? It is not necessary to get police record or any other document translated. Everything for the interview should be fine, except I'm a little concerned about my financial situation. I'm afraid they will ask her lot of questions, where they will not be satisfied. Thanks for the good wishes. Will keep u posted.	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-05-05 14:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview on May 7th	My wife received a call this morning from the USA Consulate in Managua asking her to be at the Consulate 8:00 AM, Monday May 7th. Any advice from anyone on the possible questions and I-864? -Justo.	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-04-26 15:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview tomorrow	Justo! Keep us updated with the result! And Good Luck!!! ESTAMOS CONTIGO!! Hey, is it ok if I pray to Huguito and Daniel? They don´t want us there, we are ¨hijos del imperialismo¨. ja ja ja...	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-05-06 14:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview tomorrow	Last december I cancelled plans to travel home to spend the holidays with my wife. I had all the time of the world because I have been unemployed (at least officially) and was willing to use some of my reserve money for it. Then wife said it wasn´t a good idea and that we had to wait and save money we would need later. I-130 was approved late december, so I figured the interview would come around may. Of course I had joined VJ by then and found out about Jame´s Shorcut. I saved about a month avoiding S N A I L mail. I also made plans to be with my wife at the interview, but unfortunately it won´t happen. I´m still regrouping myself after trying to move on from this job I had for five years. Things didn´t work out as planned and it´s basically a day to day situation now. My wife will go tomorrow at 8:00 am to the USA Consulate in Managua for her interview. We spent a few hours on the messenger reviewing all possibly questions they might ask, specially my financial situation. I have been told by an Consular Officer that since I already submitted I-864 to NVC, my wife doesn´t need to present it at the time of the interview. I´m hoping they won´t inquiry throughly on my current situation. Althought my wife will answer everything honestly, they would not have any proof on paper. At the worst case, they might require about a second sponsor. I organized a binder with selected e-mails, greeting cards, money wires receipts, phone bills, phone cards, airline tickets stubs, and of course wedding pictures, ( 8 of them) as before our marriage. We don´t have many photos before getting married. Before we got engaged, I traveled to Nicaragua 3 times, spent 2 weeks on every stay, but my wife is not camera friendly and when someone tried to take photo of us together she would reject to. The few we have, are because I begged her to, and I wasn´t thinking of a possibly interview at the USA Consulate. Anyhow, if their objective is to establish that the relationship is legitimate they have all the evidence in the binder. I told my wife to get a good sleep tonight and to eat well tomorrow morning before heading to the Embassy, they might make her wait all morning there, as I have read in some Consulate reviews. Blanca Perez, the Consular Officer in Managua, whom I have been keeping contact has been outstanding with information and advices. I wish she would conduct the interview, but I understand that is the consul or vice consul who do this. I´m confident everything will be fine. I appreciate all of your good wishes and as soon as I can I will post a review. -Justo.	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-05-06 14:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	VISA APPROVED	Wife was so paranoid last night about the interview, I spent half hour on the phone trying to calm her down, and asking her to get a good sleep. She was stressing out too much. I guess, after a year being apart, this whole process has taken a lot from us. Well, this morning, around 9 am, we seemed to recover much of it. In less than an hour my wife got her visa approved. Everything went smooth and easy. After some officer took the required documents, she was told to take a seat and waited for about half an hour. Then she was taken to the Consul, she had my wife answer 4 questions, and 5 minutes later she was congratulated and given instructions for picking up her passport with the visa and the ¨brown envelope¨ at the Nicaraguan Post Office, six days from today. Wife called inmediately after getting out from the Embassy. These were the questions: 1. Where does your husband lives? 2. What does he do for a living? 3. When did you get married? 4. Who prepared all these documents for you?. Consul was impressed about the file folder and binder I organized for my wife. She said that usually, lawyers are the one who prepares this. I will post a Consulate review later. Thanks to all for your best wishes and for having me here since November. It´s been quite a ride, with its highs and lows. VJ was extremely helpful and I hope to use my experience here to help others. -Justo.	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-05-07 13:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Wife arriving next friday	Just wante to inform you my wife has scheduled her trip to Miami, FL for this friday, May 18th. Can´t believe she is finally almost here. Can´t describe the feeling of just knowing that we will be finally together and starting a new life. It´s been nine months, nine longs months... What will I do next weekend?. Thanks all of you for stickin around and cheering for us since November. Once more, I´m so grateful of this website and the people in it. -Justo and Sheyla. 01-28-06 - Wedding I- 130 09-13-06 - Mailed I-130 09-18-06 - CSC received 09-25-06 - NOA1 mailed 09-28-06 - NOA1 received 12-13-06 - RFE received (Birth Certificate) 12-14-06 - Mailed RFE 12-21-06 - RFE received at CSC 12-27-06 - Petition approved!!! 12-28-06 - NOA2 mailed / E-mail notified 01-04-06 - NOA2 received NVC 01-05-07 - Assigned case number 01-15-07 - DS-2032(Choice of Agent Generated)/AOS I-864 bill generated 01-17-07 - E-mailed Choice of Agent 01-20-07 - Mailed AOS I-864 payment 01-29-07 - AOS application and IV Bill generated 02-05-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) application sent 02-05-07 - IV Bill received 02-07-07 - IV Bill sent (Overnight) 02-07-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) received at NVC 02-08-07 - IV Bill received at the Saint Louis Center (12:32pm) 02-12-07 - IV Bill entered into NVC system 02-19-07 - DS-230 package generated 02-20-07 - DS-230 sent 02-23-07 - DS-230 received at NVC (8:17am) 02-26-07 - DS-230 package entered into NVC system 03-13-07 - CASE COMPLETE 03-21-07 - Case forwarded to Managua consulate MANAGUA US CONSULATE 03-28-07 - Case received at Managua consulate 04-13-07 - Packet 3 picked up at Consulate 04-16--04-25 - Wife gathered birth certificates, police record, and had medical exams 04-25-07 - Packet 3 sent to Consulate via fax 04-26-07 - Consulate notified wife of interview date via telephone 05-07-07 - Interview---Visa Approved!!! 05-10-07 - Wife picked up passport at Post Office. Visa on passport and ¨Brown Envelope¨ on hand. 05-18-07 - Wife scheduled to travel to Miami, FL	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-05-14 00:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Wife arriving at Miami International	Congrats!! I have been to miami on several occasions...she can expect... Crazy & rude drivers...alot of road rage etc. Sitting in traffic for 2 hours to travel 10 miles. Many spanish speaking people...if she doesnt speak spanish ask her to get an electronic translator, or a spanish dictionary. Good luckkkkkkk Andy Yes Duffbeer, I have lived in Miami long enough to be aware of rude drivers, road rage, traffic jams, bad public transportation, and spanish speaking people. My wife won´t have to deal with this for a while, and no need for spanish translator or dictionary. She does speaks spanish, so she will need to learn english. Just wanted to get feedbacks from anyone coming to USA thru Miami. -Justo.	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-05-16 23:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Wife arriving at Miami International	My wife is coming next friday. Could anyone who came thru Miami POE advice me on what should my wife expect at her arrival? Thanks! -Justo. 01-28-06 - Wedding I- 130 09-13-06 - Mailed I-130 09-18-06 - CSC received 09-25-06 - NOA1 mailed 09-28-06 - NOA1 received 12-13-06 - RFE received (Birth Certificate) 12-14-06 - Mailed RFE 12-21-06 - RFE received at CSC 12-27-06 - Petition approved!!! 12-28-06 - NOA2 mailed / E-mail notified 01-04-06 - NOA2 received NVC 01-05-07 - Assigned case number 01-15-07 - DS-2032(Choice of Agent Generated)/AOS I-864 bill generated 01-17-07 - E-mailed Choice of Agent 01-20-07 - Mailed AOS I-864 payment 01-29-07 - AOS application and IV Bill generated 02-05-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) application sent 02-05-07 - IV Bill received 02-07-07 - IV Bill sent (Overnight) 02-07-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) received at NVC 02-08-07 - IV Bill received at the Saint Louis Center (12:32pm) 02-12-07 - IV Bill entered into NVC system 02-19-07 - DS-230 package generated 02-20-07 - DS-230 sent 02-23-07 - DS-230 received at NVC (8:17am) 02-26-07 - DS-230 package entered into NVC system 03-13-07 - CASE COMPLETE 03-21-07 - Case forwarded to Managua consulate MANAGUA US CONSULATE 03-28-07 - Case received at Managua consulate 04-13-07 - Packet 3 picked up at Consulate 04-16--04-25 - Wife gathered birth certificates, police record, and had medical exams 04-25-07 - Packet 3 sent to Consulate via fax 04-26-07 - Consulate notified wife of interview date via telephone 05-07-07 - Interview---Visa Approved!!! 05-10-07 - Wife picked up passport at Post Office. Visa on passport and ¨Brown Envelope¨ on hand. 05-18-07 - Wife scheduled to travel to Miami, FL	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-05-15 12:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	It is A Happy Ending	It´s been two weeks since my wife came to USA. Everything went well at POE. It´s been sort of a long overdue honeymoon. We had not since each other for a year. It took 8 months for our case to be completed. VJ was so important. It saved us two months using the shortcuts. Thanks everyone for your support and good wishes. I´d be around if anyone needs advice or tips. I learned a lot from all of this and would gladly help others. Before I go, I want to ask about my wife´s social security card. I understand it takes 3 weeks or more to receive it. What should I do if card doesn´t come within the next couple of weeks? Her passport was stamped (CR 1) at POE. We are still waiting for welcome letter. Thanks, -Justo. 01-28-06 - Wedding I- 130 09-13-06 - Mailed I-130 09-18-06 - CSC received 09-25-06 - NOA1 mailed 09-28-06 - NOA1 received 12-13-06 - RFE received (Birth Certificate) 12-14-06 - Mailed RFE 12-21-06 - RFE received at CSC 12-27-06 - Petition approved!!! 12-28-06 - NOA2 mailed / E-mail notified 01-04-06 - NOA2 received NVC 01-05-07 - Assigned case number 01-15-07 - DS-2032(Choice of Agent Generated)/AOS I-864 bill generated 01-17-07 - E-mailed Choice of Agent 01-20-07 - Mailed AOS I-864 payment 01-29-07 - AOS application and IV Bill generated 02-05-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) application sent 02-05-07 - IV Bill received 02-07-07 - IV Bill sent (Overnight) 02-07-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) received at NVC 02-08-07 - IV Bill received at the Saint Louis Center (12:32pm) 02-12-07 - IV Bill entered into NVC system 02-19-07 - DS-230 package generated 02-20-07 - DS-230 sent 02-23-07 - DS-230 received at NVC (8:17am) 02-26-07 - DS-230 package entered into NVC system 03-13-07 - CASE COMPLETE 03-21-07 - Case forwarded to Managua consulate MANAGUA US CONSULATE 03-28-07 - Case received at Managua consulate 04-13-07 - Packet 3 picked up at Consulate 04-16--04-25 - Wife gathered birth certificates, police record, and had medical exams 04-25-07 - Packet 3 sent to Consulate via fax 04-26-07 - Consulate notified wife of interview date via telephone 05-07-07 - Interview---Visa Approved!!! 05-10-07 - Wife picked up passport at Post Office. Visa on passport and ¨Brown Envelope¨ on hand. 05-18-07 - Wife in the USA, POE: Miami, FL	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-06-03 22:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	It is A Happy Ending	It´s been two weeks since my wife came to USA. Everything went well at POE. It´s been sort of a long overdue honeymoon. We had not since each other for a year. It took 8 months for our case to be completed. VJ was so important. It saved us two months using the shortcuts. Thanks everyone for your support and good wishes. I´d be around if anyone needs advice or tips. I learned a lot from all of this and would gladly help others. Before I go, I want to ask about my wife´s social security card. I understand it takes 3 weeks or more to receive it. What should I do if card doesn´t come within the next couple of weeks? Her passport was stamped (CR 1) at POE. We are still waiting for welcome letter. Thanks, -Justo. 01-28-06 - Wedding I- 130 09-13-06 - Mailed I-130 09-18-06 - CSC received 09-25-06 - NOA1 mailed 09-28-06 - NOA1 received 12-13-06 - RFE received (Birth Certificate) 12-14-06 - Mailed RFE 12-21-06 - RFE received at CSC 12-27-06 - Petition approved!!! 12-28-06 - NOA2 mailed / E-mail notified 01-04-06 - NOA2 received NVC 01-05-07 - Assigned case number 01-15-07 - DS-2032(Choice of Agent Generated)/AOS I-864 bill generated 01-17-07 - E-mailed Choice of Agent 01-20-07 - Mailed AOS I-864 payment 01-29-07 - AOS application and IV Bill generated 02-05-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) application sent 02-05-07 - IV Bill received 02-07-07 - IV Bill sent (Overnight) 02-07-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) received at NVC 02-08-07 - IV Bill received at the Saint Louis Center (12:32pm) 02-12-07 - IV Bill entered into NVC system 02-19-07 - DS-230 package generated 02-20-07 - DS-230 sent 02-23-07 - DS-230 received at NVC (8:17am) 02-26-07 - DS-230 package entered into NVC system 03-13-07 - CASE COMPLETE 03-21-07 - Case forwarded to Managua consulate MANAGUA US CONSULATE 03-28-07 - Case received at Managua consulate 04-13-07 - Packet 3 picked up at Consulate 04-16--04-25 - Wife gathered birth certificates, police record, and had medical exams 04-25-07 - Packet 3 sent to Consulate via fax 04-26-07 - Consulate notified wife of interview date via telephone 05-07-07 - Interview---Visa Approved!!! 05-10-07 - Wife picked up passport at Post Office. Visa on passport and ¨Brown Envelope¨ on hand. 05-18-07 - Wife in the USA, POE: Miami, FL	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-06-03 22:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Social Security Number, Resident Card On Hand!!!	It has been a month already since my wife arrived to this country, and what a long month has been. Everything is going well for us and we are settling just fine into our new life. Wife has started a new job last week. Soon, she will start English classes. She knows a little but not enough to get a job a store or office. Hopefully the courses will help her gain confidence. Here in Miami, is easy to get by without English, but she knows she can get better opportunities if she learns the language. She received her Resident Card today. I am amazed that only took a month for the card to arrive. She also has her Social Security Card. We had to go to the local SSA office to apply because after calling SSA, they told us that the Department of Homeland Security is only processing the Social Security (via DS-230) at a 20% rate. The officer at the SSA (in New Jersey) ask us to go our local office and apply for the card. My advice is that you wait two weeks or so, then call SSA and inquiry about your number. They will tell you if a number has been assigned to you. If you are not in the system, it means that the people at the POE did not send the SS card request or.... they are taking their time. The Social Security Card arrived in three business days. I'd like to point out that although the beneficiary is allowed to work with the visa stamp in the passport, most employers are not aware of this and they look twice at the visa stamp, some of them will ask for a social security number and/or a resident card, work permit. In a staffing agency, the lady who was taking our application, had trouble understanding the visa stamp. I had to show her the line where it says clearly that the holder of the visa is authorized to work for 1 year. But then, the lady asked us for the SSN. And so on... Thanks god we are all set. Social Security Number, Resident Card, and a State ID Card. Everything in one month. -Justo. 01-28-06 - Wedding I- 130 09-13-06 - Mailed I-130 09-18-06 - CSC received 09-25-06 - NOA1 mailed 09-28-06 - NOA1 received 12-13-06 - RFE received (Birth Certificate) 12-14-06 - Mailed RFE 12-21-06 - RFE received at CSC 12-27-06 - Petition approved!!! 12-28-06 - NOA2 mailed / E-mail notified 01-04-06 - NOA2 received NVC 01-05-07 - Case Number Assigned 01-15-07 - DS-2032(Choice of Agent Generated)/AOS I-864 bill generated 01-17-07 - E-mailed Choice of Agent 01-20-07 - Mailed AOS I-864 payment 01-29-07 - AOS application and IV Bill generated 02-05-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) application sent 02-05-07 - IV Bill received 02-07-07 - IV Bill sent (Overnight) 02-07-07 - AOS (I-864EZ) received at NVC 02-08-07 - IV Bill received at the Saint Louis Center (12:32pm) 02-12-07 - IV Bill entered into NVC system 02-19-07 - DS-230 package generated 02-20-07 - DS-230 sent 02-23-07 - DS-230 received at NVC (8:17am) 02-26-07 - DS-230 package entered into NVC system 03-13-07 - CASE COMPLETE 03-21-07 - Case forwarded to Managua consulate MANAGUA US CONSULATE 03-28-07 - Case received at Managua consulate 04-13-07 - Packet 3 picked up at Consulate 04-16--04-25 - Wife gathered birth certificates, police record, and had medical exams 04-25-07 - Packet 3 sent to Consulate via fax 04-26-07 - Consulate notified wife of interview date via telephone 05-07-07 - Interview---Visa Approved!!! 05-10-07 - Wife picked up passport at Post Office. Visa on passport and ¨Brown Envelope¨ on hand. USA 05-18-07 - Wife in the USA, POE: Miami, FL 06-04-07 - Welcome Letter 06-13-07 - Applied for Social Security Card at local SSA office 06-18-07 - Social Security Card arrived!!! 06-21-07 - Permanent Resident Card arrives!!! Edited by Justo/Sheyla, 21 June 2007 - 02:52 PM.	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2007-06-21 14:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Timeline on I 130 Approvals	They did this on K-3 section and it is awesome. Just add your info below mine and so on... Member Name ---------------- NOA1 Date ---------- Approved or Pending Dennis & Ezgi ---------------- 9/21/206 ---------- Pending Justo/Sheyla ---------------- 9/18/06 ----------- 12/27/06 (added by admin)	Justo/Sheyla	Male	Nicaragua	2006-12-29 12:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Anyone here flying december 4, 2008?	Hi everyone. Is anyone here flying december 4, 2008 to Seattle???	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-25 22:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Question about part 4 and part 5 of the I-864	thanks to everyone who replied and read to this post. What i put down as my household size was 4. 1 for my hubby, 1 for me, and 2 because I used my mommy and daddy's income. I had my parents both fill out seperate I-864A. So everything went fine with my hubby's interview and the I-864 was correct. We got the visa! God bless us all. Edited by jhcruz18, 26 November 2008 - 12:52 AM.	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-26 00:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Question about part 4 and part 5 of the I-864	Hi to everyone... I'm working on the I-864 for my hubby. I am a student right now in manila but my domicile is in the US. And I don't have income at all. So My dad is the only sponsor. And my mommy filled out a household member's contract. A contract is needed now if the spouse is sponsoring an immigrant because situations in teh past happened where one would sponsor an intending immigrant and their significant others didn't know about it. Anyway, we can meet the poverty requirements with my dad's income... For the houehold size for My (the petitioner's) I-864 form I'm confused what to put down. I listed my husband as 01 and me as 01... so that would make my household size two right? there's a part where i got confused... on letter "g" that says OPtional... you fill this out if you are using a sibling's, parent or adult children's income to meet the requirements if they have the same principal residence as the petitioner... So would that make my total household size 03 (to include my dad) or 04 to include my mommy too? I got confused because on the next page it asked to list down teh income of the people in the household whose income I will use to meet the requirements for the poverty level.... So what is my household size supposed to be??? Any advice will help. Thanks guys!!!! Good luck to everyone![/b]	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-05 04:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	visa APPROVAL	visa DELIVERED!!!!! We originally filed for a CR-1 visa but since we just celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary one week before my hubby's interview they gave my hubby an IR-1 visa instead!	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-26 04:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	visa APPROVAL	Update on visa delivery status: Tracking number:MNL2008******01 2008-11-26 07:03:03 SHIPMENT OUT FOR DELIVERY 2008-11-25 18:41:44 SHIPMENT RECEIVED AT DISTRIBUTION CENTER 2008-11-25 12:42:52 SHIPMENT RELEASED BY THE EMBASSY 2008-11-24 16:39:23 SHIPMENT IN PROCESS AT THE EMBASSY	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-25 20:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	visa APPROVAL	Update on visa delivery status: Tracking number:MNL2008******01 2008-11-25 18:41:44 SHIPMENT RECEIVED AT DISTRIBUTION CENTER 2008-11-25 12:42:52 SHIPMENT RELEASED BY THE EMBASSY 2008-11-24 16:39:23 SHIPMENT IN PROCESS AT THE EMBASSY	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-25 10:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	visa APPROVAL	Thank you to everyone! You guys will all be next!	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-24 12:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	visa APPROVAL	Hi guys! My husband got approved for his visa!!! Originally we applied for a CR-1 visa because we were married less than two years. But just last week we had our 2nd wedding anniversary, so today the consulate officer told my husband that she's giving us the Immigrant visa where we don't have to lift the conditions! I just got off the phone with my husband. We filed DCF. But the catch is whenever you file a DCF, make sure that when it comes to the interview the petitioner should NOT be there. The lady consulate told my husband that it was a good thing I decided to go back to the states because if I was in the Philippines with my husband at the time of the interview, he would've gotten denied. She said the purpose of visas are to reunite families and it wouldn't have a purpose if I was there with my husband in the Philippines because we would already be together. Okay here are the questions that my husband was asked: FIRST WINDOW - window 14 (prescreener) --The only documents she got from my husband was: his birth certificate, my birth certificate, NBI clearance, marriage certificate, my I-864, my parent's I-864A and 2007 ITR --The questions she asked my husband were: --What is your full name? --When is your birthday? --Who is your petitioner? --How old is she? --When did you guys get married? --It says here that your wife is a full time medical student, so who is supporting you right now? FINGERPRINTING FINAL INTERVIEW - window 20 --My husband said that she was a very nice middle aged woman. My husband didn't sit down right away. He waited for the CO to ask him to sit down. --The questions she asked my husband were: --Have you ever been to the United States? --Have you ever worked abroad? --Who is your petitioner? --What is her name? --How old is she? --When did you get married? --Was it a civil ceremony or church ceremony? --Does your spouse work? --When and why did she go home to the United States? (this is for the domicile requirement) --What is your father-in-law's name? --Where does your father-in-law work? --Does your mother-in-law have a job? Where? Then the CO told my husband, "Your documents are okay. I am telling you now that I am approving your US visa!" WINDOW 37 - PINK SLIP!!!! PAID for DELBROS delivery - 250 pesos for metro manila delivery --- July 23 2005 – Met the love of my life unexpectedly during dinner with common friends Oct 08 2005 – Officially become a couple Dec 27 2005 – Surprise engagement party --- I said YES! Nov 18 2006 – We got married!!!! ? Year 2007 – Just traveled and went everywhere together. We never spent one night apart. Jan 26 2008 – Had a huge church wedding where we renewed our vows. May 08 2008 – Filed an I-130 through DCF at the USE manila May 09 2008 – NOA-1 May 12 2008 – RFE for I-130 (needed more evidence of an ongoing marital relationship) Jul 12 2008 – RFE again for I-130 (This time we were asked to both come down to the embassy and they explained that since we’re a young couple they wanted to see if we were really real.) July 26 2008 – Handed in additional evidence at USE manila of marriage (Unfortunately, the immigration officer who was handling our case had to leave for Japan for a two months so we had to wait. But she was really helpful.) Oct 07 2008 – I-130 approved and forwarded to the immigrant visa section USE manila Oct 23 2008 – Packet 3 received – started fixing all required documents Oct 29 2008 – Applied for the Cenmar, paid document verification fee Oct 30 2008 – Sent out packet 3 via DHL Nov 3 2008 - USE manila approves case to be eligible for interview; interview is scheduled Nov 06 2008 – First day of medical exam Nov 07 2008 – Second day of medical exam – PASSED! ? Cenmar was delivered to our house Nov 24 2008 – Interview at USE manila - VISA APPROVED!!!!!!! Nov XX 2008 - Visa Received Dec XX 2008 – Port of Entry – Seattle, Washington	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-24 00:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	VISA VISA VISA!!!	Congrats! God bless!	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-25 19:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Finally got visa!!	Congratulations and Best wishes!	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-26 20:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	visa on hand but got small problem.........	yeah i think so... try calling the the place where you renewed your passport. because my friend renewed her passport recently before she came here to the states. What she did was attach her old passport with the valid US visa in it to her new machine readable passport.	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-26 01:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	visa on hand but got small problem.........	the passport numbers should be the same on both passports. yeah there's a number to contact the US embassy immigrant visa section... But they seem mean to filipino citizens. That number is for US citizens. But you can try to call if you want to. The number is (02)-301-2000 local 5185. Look for lorraine or grace. Lorraine is really helpful but my hubby said that Grace was pretty rude. Keep trying to contact that local number because it takes awhile. Just keep trying.	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-26 00:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	visa on hand but got small problem.........	Hi. If you visa is in your old passport, you should always have your old passport with your new passport. Your visa isn't expired although your old passport isn't valid.	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-26 00:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	VISA VISA VISA!!! DETAILS	Yay! Congratulations! Best wishes and God bless!	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-26 15:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	November 27, 2008	Happy Turkey Day Y'all! God Bless you and your families!	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-27 10:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Wife got the visa!!	congratulations! best wishes!	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-25 14:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Glory to God	Congratulations! Best wishes. Good luck with the NVC, medical and interview. God bless!	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-29 13:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Finally I'm here in US	Welcome to the USA! Best wishes and good luck! Always stay strong.	jhcruz18	Female	Philippines	2008-11-30 21:08:00