Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Receipt Times	Woo hoo!!!! Just looked at my bank account and the check has been cashed! Does that mean we already have a NOA1? I know there's some number to put into the USCIS system but its unreadable on my check.... I will be getting something in the mail, right? (Sorry if I'm asking dumb questions, I really do read this forum ALOT but I'm still confused) I'm happy it means things are on track though, now, they can't just take my $455 and do nothing haha!!!!	eve101	Female	Brazil	2007-10-17 16:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Receipt Times	The website for USCIS says that they are overloaded with applications, and that initial receipts are being sent out later than normal. Up to 14 weeks it says! Before they even acknowledge your petition!!!! YIKES!! They are only now processing August's applications. Does this mean that it will be 2 or 3 months before the process even begins??? I'm curious what experience other K-1 petitioners are having--those who sent their I-129f in September and October...Particularly those applying at the California Service Center. Have you guys got your receipts yet??? Thanks for putting in your 2 cents, best of luck for everyone!	eve101	Female	Brazil	2007-10-12 23:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Waiting for NOA2--Getting Ready	Hi everyone... I sent my I-129f, got the NOA1 and one 'touch" back in October, and as far as I can see, now we just WAIT and do nothing. But is there anything I (the USC) can do or my fiancé can do to get all the stuff ready that they will ask for the NOA2?? Such as, medical, police reports, etcetera, tax information, evidence of continuing relationship or whatever, to be ready to send as soon as the NOA2 comes... Unfortunately I'm not sure what to get together since I wont hear anything for more than another month, probably. Happily, I get to visit in less than 3 weeks, so we'll finally have the opportunity to spend time, take pictures, maybe get rings.... Do you have any suggestions of steps we could take to be ultra-quick and prepared for the upcoming NOA2 and (hopefully not) any RFE's?? Any advice would be nice. Thanks, and good luck to everyone else..!	eve101	Female	Brazil	2007-12-04 00:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	NOA1 in October. Still no NOA2!	We're just about a week behind you on our NOA1. The AVERAGE is about 3 months, but that's no guarantee. I figure I'll be patient another month and then give a call. No need to freak out, just yet! We're in the same boat. Any day now...... (Although I have to admit that it's not hopeful to see people from MAY still waiting...) Best of luck to us all!	eve101	Female	Brazil	2008-01-15 17:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Can i do interview in the USA instead of my country	can i stay in the USA and do my interview there? how do i request that my interview be done there instead of in Jamaica? No. You are only able to interview in your own country; in your case, you can only interview in Jamaica. Edited by Ryan H, 04 October 2010 - 12:41 AM.	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-10-04 00:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I just sent a K1 petition but now want to change to CR1...is it possible?	If you paid by check, you may be able to put a stop payment on it. Don't know if that's possible with a money order. As for the petition, you file a written withdraw with USCIS. The petition may have to be transferred from TX to a service center before that's possible, but I'm not 100% sure. If you are able to cancel the payment, they won't process it for sure. Just be sure USCIS formally closes the I-129F before you file the I-130 for the CR-1 to avoid unnecessary difficulty in the future.	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-10-03 00:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Does Previous Tourist Visa refusals have an effect on IR1 INTERVIEW	Previous denials of a tourist visa will not be a factor in when you interview for an IR-1/CR-1 visa.	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-10-09 04:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Cr1 Requirement	Strictly speaking, an EOR, timeline, love story, etc. are not required. However, people submit them as along with their evidence of their applicable relationship. As others have posted, sometime it depends on the embassy or consulate where the interview is taking place. OP: First of all, congratulations to you both and best wishes on your life together! Secondly, I noticed in your signature timeline you submitted an I-129F after your I-130. FYI: Chances are the USCIS will approve them both at the same time and send them both to the NVC. Once the NVC receives them, they will administratively close the I-129F for the K3 visa, which will only leave the I-130 for the CR-1 active.	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-10-09 05:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Don't want to use an Immigration lawyer after I 130 Approved. Can I Take it from here???	Hi Everyone. I paid an immigration attorney $2500.00 plus the filling fee just to file my I 130. She told me and my wife the whole process to aquire the visa would be that much. Now that we are at the NVC stage she sent another statement saying I owe her another $2500. plus $492. So $2992 all together on this statement. I am livid. She lied to us and is just billing us whatever she wants. Now I want to take it over from here but she is on the paper work as being the agent with the NVC. Can we change that at this point. We are being taken for fools and I refuse to pay any more than I already have...other than the filling fees. I think we can handle the rest of the process. But I just need to know if we can take it from here. Call the NVC and tell them you want to remove the attorney from your case. This thread gives more specifics. Edited by Ryan H, 15 October 2010 - 10:31 PM.	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-10-15 22:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	This whole thing will make me crazy	You can add him as an authorized user to your credit cards, add his name to the apartment lease, etc. Without a SSN, it will be next to impossible to get a joint bank account. As others have said, go with what you have. You should be fine. Good luck and best wishes!	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-10-19 22:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Bad Choice in Picture Proof with I-130	OK, I'm letting you have it!! I shouldn't have sent some of the picture of me and my wife kissing IMO, these are probably not a good choice. Since you said they are not R or X rated, it may not be a problem. Although, I cannot speak for or predict what a USCIS adjudicator or a consular official might think. and what's worst is I think there are like 2 picture of us in bed. OOPS!!!!!! The big one, she was wearing a dress and it blew her dress up and made it look like she was pregnant which I thought was cute, but now stupid mistake. That one will raise some eyebrows. Can't say how (if at all) how detrimental it will be. Good luck and best wishes to you on your journey and that all works out well!!	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-10-28 22:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Why is Montreal the only one doing Immigrant Visa Interviews?	The US State Department made a decision to place an IV post only in Montreal. I can only speculate as to the why but I figure the rationale has something to do with the geographical area where most requests for immigrant visas originate. Other consulates cannot "share the load" as they are not equipped to deal with immigrant visas.	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-11-13 01:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	clarification on question #22 on the I-130 form	I thought you need to fill in this question only if you are currently in the united states with a visa and you wish to apply for adjustment of status. When you first glance at that section, I could see where you would think that. However, towards the right of the page (and not in bold on the form, it says this: If your relative is not eligible for adjustment of status, he or she will apply for a visa abroad at the American consular post in: Then it asks for city and country. NEVER leave a part blank on these forms Agreed. Leaving any part blank on these forms will very likely result in an RFE for that information.	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-11-07 16:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	clarification on question #22 on the I-130 form	Since I will not be in the united states, where exactly do I apply for a visa living in Ontario? thanks for your help with this. Montreal	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-11-07 15:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Sending I-130 while still in USA?	okay, and if i do, what do i put on the I-130? when it asks if im still in the US do I say yes, but attach a note saying that i will be leaving? I dont want to confuse everything and make them think i want AOS? thanks! That was a point I did not consider. Perhaps in the interest of avoiding confustion, it is best to wait until you leave before the I-130 is filed.	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-11-15 14:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Sending I-130 while still in USA?	im wondering, can I send the I-130 packet while ims till in America, even though we DONT want to file adjustment of status, and I am returning to England. Yes, you can send it.	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-11-15 14:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	We're getting an RFE	Lisamarie: I share the hope of all other posters who say that this will be something that can be quickly resolved. From your own posts, it sounds like you have identified two possible reasons (the wrong name in the field and only sending a translated copy of the marriage certificate). Of course you won't know until you receive the RFE. However, if you prepare a quick response to the areas you have identified as a possible reason and the possible turns out to be the why, then you can quickly respond and things will move forward. Good luck and best wishes!	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-11-18 16:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	YES, OUR IR1 APPROVED!!!	Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-12-02 15:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I 130 approval for IR-1/ CR-1	5 months for approval by USCIS.	Ryan H	Male	China	2011-01-24 15:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Bad information given about the K-3 Visa from the Nepal Embassy	Oh my goodness.... please say this isn't so... Once you submit the I-130, you are looking at 5 months before approval by USCIS. Once they approve it, they will send it to the National Visa Center (NVC) for additional processing. NVC processing can last a few weeks or a few months. Learn about NVC processing and take the time to gather documents that don't have expiration dates the NVC will require. That way, when the NVC asks for said documents, you can submit them rather quickly. Once NVC processing is complete, they will send the casefile to the Embassy and schedule an interview. Here are a couple of NVC links, I think you will find them useful. Also, keep searching and asking questions, there are many people here who will help you! Immigrant Visa Processing - NVC NVC Best wishes to you and your spouse. Edited by Ryan H, 30 January 2011 - 11:22 PM.	Ryan H	Male	China	2011-01-30 23:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Bad information given about the K-3 Visa from the Nepal Embassy	I have a few questions... and looks like I made a few mistakes that I would love to have some advice on if possible. I mailed our package from our local mailing place who ended up sending it by Federal Express (not USPS) to the Chicago Lockbox address for express couriers.. From the I-130 instructions: For Express mail and courier deliveries: USCIS Attn: I-130 131 South Dearborn-3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517 This forum states to send via USPS.. I sent via Fed Express... will this effect anything? has anyone else done this? FedEx is fine. The address for "courier deliveries" would include services such as FedEx. There is a 19 year age difference between my husband and myself (I am older). How much of a factor will this play in the process? All I am qualified to say here is expect scrutiny from USCIS and the Embassy. People who have gone through this process already and have the large age difference can better relate. You may also need a Nepal specific answer. I sent in 33 pictures (including one with the US ambassador at Thanksgiving) and 10 letters from friends and family attesting to our marriage along with a letter from our landlord and business landlord. Most of the letters were not notorized as the Nepali notary will only notarize legal documents not personal letters, so instead I sent i copies of the passports of all the people who wrote letters for us. A friend who came over for our social marriage also sent in copies of her visa's where she visited Nepal for our wedding. How strong is this evidence? Is there anything else we might need for the interview process? IMO, that is good evidence, I'm sure there are others who can offer what to add. I also changed my passport into my new married name while living in Nepal. Hopefully this will also be helpful? It won't hurt. I am so angry with the bad information given to me by the embassy regarding the K-3 that I sent them an e-mail to let them know... and I guess that I just need to follow the CR-1 process now. Has anyone else had dealings with the Nepali embassy and should I definitely not even try to submit the I-129F even though that is what they advised? The K3 is still officially on the books (even though it is nonexistent in practice) so government personnel who may not be familiar with the USCIS tying the I-130 and I-129F together and approving them simultaneously and the NVC then subsequently administratively closing the I-129F may still mention the K3 as an available route. Don't waste your time submitting the I-129F I wish you the best going forward. Edited by Ryan H, 30 January 2011 - 03:55 PM.	Ryan H	Male	China	2011-01-30 15:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-130 won't load	I had issues opening the forms with google chrome and used internet explorer and it was able to open them. Also working on Firefox.	Ryan H	Male	China	2011-01-30 15:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	new here... suggestions...	The above is not correct. USCIS has been tying the petitions together since November, 2006. It's NVC that changed their policy last year. My bad.	Ryan H	Male	China	2011-01-30 23:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	new here... suggestions...	what will happen if i send the i 129f? why is this being closed and why is it not saying so on the website. If you send an I-129F after sending an I-130, the USCIS will tie the two petitions together and approve them simultaneously and send them to the NVC. The NVC will administratively close the I-129F leaving only the I-130 active. The K3 is still officially on the books even though it is nonexistent in practice. As long as the K3 remains on the books, it will continue to show up on the website. USCIS only started tying I-130 and I-129F petitions together last year. The K3 was created at a time when I-130's moved at a snail's pace compared to the pace of I-129F's In recent years, I-130's and I-129F's move at a pace that is about the same. Just file the I-130 and don't waste your time with an I-129F.	Ryan H	Male	China	2011-01-30 23:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	new here... suggestions...	I know i have to file i-130 first, but what would be the fastest way to get my husband here... can anyone give me suggestions? i would like to make a decision within the next week... thank you and look forward to more discussions Unless you qualify for an expedite, there really is no "fastest way."	Ryan H	Male	China	2011-01-30 15:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Difference in domicile requirement between K1 and IR-1 Process??	You can send the I-129F to the TX lockbox from Canada. I have seen nothing that says you can't. However, you will want to put a US address on the forms and have correspondence from the USCIS sent to a US address. Since your roommate at your US address is collecting your mail already, your roommate can send you anything you receive from USCIS.	Ryan H	Male	China	2011-02-06 01:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Difference in domicile requirement between K1 and IR-1 Process??	It seems like in theory the CR-1 with K3 option is cheaper, but if my fiancee ends up having to file for AOS because we are in the US and the CR-1 hasn't gone through yet, we can tack another thousand onto it, making the process more expensive and more complicated. Am I right? K3 is nonexistent in practice, even though it is still officially on the books. The NVC will receive the I-130 and the I-129F at the same time and administratively close the I-129F leaving only the I-130 active. Also, after much reading I have concluded that I can indeed stay in Canada and still prove my domicile in the US. So unless someone tells me why I can't (which I would greatly appreciate!) that is what my plan is. Thanks! You posted how you address the domicile issue on your other thread. So given what you posted and what I have read, it appears that you will be able to remain in Canada during the process. how long have you been living in Canada? If it's been 6 months or longer then you can file DCF which I have heard tend to be faster than the NVC route. I took this off the Montreal Consulate's website, based on what it says, you have to reside in Canada for a year or more in order to DCF. People who have DCF'ed in Canada recently are better qualified to answer. U.S. Citizens residing in Canada: Filing Petitions in Canada U.S. citizens who are long-term (a year or more) legal residents of Canada may file a petition for the permanent immigration of a spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen at the U.S. Embassy or any of the U.S. Consulates in Canada. To find the nearest consulate in your district and instructions on how to file, please see this link: http://www.consular....ates_canada.asp	Ryan H	Male	China	2011-02-05 13:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Spousal Visa (vs) Fiance Visa	Thanks for your insight. I thought knew it was a few months different. Is there a down side from having her here sooner and then having to change her status once here and then waiting for the Green card? I would have her with me maybe 3 months sooner and 3 months might feel like a life time after the initial wait. I am patient but I want my sweetheart with me and to stop having to work so hard at her Hotel cleaning job. It is a good job and she realy likes it but lets face it, its hard work for very little money. I may ask her to stop and I will support her while she would be able to spend lots of time with her family before she comes to the US. This would be good for her and her family. I would also help the family like she has been doing with her money earned. I want to do that. Anyway thanks for the reply. Here is what I'm feeling after reading your post here. I think the K1 visa is for you, if your fiancee feels the same way as you, then you should pursue the K1. My fiancee and I had intended to pursue a K1 visa. However, after doing research and asking questions (and getting good answers and advice). The K1 process for me had gotten to a point that where it was just not working for us, even though we have a straightforward case. Thankfully it was before paperwork was filed and it was easy to switch course to pursue a CR-1 visa instead. We are in the process of planning a wedding in her home country and I will begin the CR-1 process when I return home. Since you and your fiancee are not yet married and have no firm plans for November, you can decide to switch course and pursue a K1 visa. Good luck and best wishes to you both!	Ryan H	Male	China	2010-09-20 03:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	G325-Four pages???	I downloaded mine from the USCIS website and when I filled in information on page one it automatically copied to the other pages. Then, like a doofus, I wasn't finished and couldn't save the changes, but it was nice to know that feature is available.	jundp	Female	Germany	2007-04-22 12:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Evidence Photos	Yes - always helpful with family members - if possible of course. Not required, but always nice if you have them. :thumbs: I agree with this - it shows that you have met your future in-laws. That's good to know. We have a lot of evidence, but not so many pictures of us together. We were conscientious of this during our last visit, but there aren't really any major landmarks in the pictures. I think we have one in front of the Space Needle, and one in front of a cathedral in Ulm....But some of me with his family and vice versa. And I'm really sorry I hijacked your thread!!!!	jundp	Female	Germany	2007-04-22 23:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Evidence Photos	Do you think it's necessary/helpful to include a picture of he and I with my kids or he and I with his family if we have them?	jundp	Female	Germany	2007-04-22 13:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	sending I-129 tomorrow- HELP!	Good luck Kristen!	jundp	Female	Germany	2007-04-29 21:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Wedding Dates	Gratz to you who are so close! Yay! I guess we're doing it backwards as far as the weddings go. The religious ceremony in Germany will include all of P's family and quite a few of my friends and family. Even thoguh we'll be doing the "real" wedding in Seattle later. We didn't like the idea of splitting it, but there was no way his very large and very close family could all be in Seattle for the legal ceremony. This way, his family gets to be involved and we don't have to worry about timelines. If his visa isn't approved by the time we do the ceremony in Germany, it's not that big of a deal, because I can come home and we'll wait. If it is, then we haven't broken any laws because religious ceremonies in Germany aren't legal. This won't work for all couples, but because of the logistical issues surrounding his family's presence, this seemed like the best route for us. I think it's different for everyone. This isn't my first wedding and we aren't wealthy, so a huge affair isn't an option for us anyway....	jundp	Female	Germany	2007-05-28 23:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Wedding Dates	This is the most frustrating part of the process. We have planned a wedding party in Germany with my fiance's family for next summer and a "honeymoon" in Europe for after, knowing that the actual wedding won't take place until we get approved and he can come to the US. We may do a church (non-legal) wedding in Germany so that the family is satisfied. It probably sounds silly to some to plan it that way, but since everything else will be last minute, this is a way to still have a bit of pomp and circumstance without getting disappointed if the approval takes too long and he can't get to the US by next summer.	jundp	Female	Germany	2007-05-14 13:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	To get married while there's pending K1 application?!?!	Wow, ok. I think my point was missed. But I shall take your message and butt out of your conversation.... jundp, We're not dealing with Webster's dictionary definitions when talking immigration, we're dealing with the legal definition of a marriage, which can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. So let me add to my previous post addressed to TimsDasiy - as long as people continue to use dictionary definitions of 'wedding' and 'marriage' rather than the INA definition of a marriage. Yodrak So true, Yodrak. But we can keep trying to dispell the myths and reduce the unnecessary fear! (Anecdotally, my best friend's brother is having his wedding to his Mexican bride in two weeks, and she'll be entering on her K1 a week or so after they honeymoon in Cancun. They'll then legally marry after she gets here. Not a hint of worry anywhere. They know the laws and they know what they are doing. I think sometimes this place, as helpful as it is, creates one new fear for every 4 it puts to rest.) Daisy, You are right. But as long as people continue to use the words 'wedding' and 'marriage' interchangeably, synonymously, this discussion will go on. Yodrak Ok, I'm going to be an language nerd here but: According to Webster's Dictionary a wedding is: the formal ceremony in which one is to marry another person. a marriage is: the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc. So technically, the words are interchangeable and synonymous. In fact, they are listed as synonyms. I know I sound like an azz by saying that, but the point is that some people don't understand the difference. I think what should be clarified is the legal or civil aspect of the ceremony. I am planning on a relgious ceremony, non-legal in my SO's country and non-legal in the US. If we are asked when entering the US if we got married in Germany, no we did not legally get married. I think that some people are afraid that a religious/non-legal ceremony in their SO's country will look bad. I read a LOT of information and made some phone calls before I felt comfortable with the idea myself.	jundp	Female	Germany	2007-06-01 23:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	CSC on pace to finish March, April, May this month	Tom, Are you saying that people with August receipt dates could have approvals from USCIS by November? I'm new to this whole thing and trying to understand all the abbreviations, timelines, etc. I know nothing is a sure thing. Just wondering if I understand you correctly. Thanks, Maggie	maggieNomar	Female	Morocco	2006-09-17 20:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	.......This case has been approved	Oooh! End of July NOA1. YAY, getting closer to my date! Congrats! Cass (bebop the great) Getting closer to mine tooooo. Oh this is great news. Congrats to you, and best wishes for speedy approvals to those of you waiting. Maggie	maggieNomar	Female	Morocco	2006-09-21 12:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Newbie Approved!!!	Congratulations. Gives us early August folks hope! Maggie	maggieNomar	Female	Morocco	2006-09-22 00:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	NOA2 - approved in 44 days	Wow 8/7/06 is my NOA1 date toooooo soo maybe just maybeeeeee, oh I won't hope to big, but I'll do a little dance for you anyways. Congratulations. Keep us posted on your next steps. maggie	maggieNomar	Female	Morocco	2006-09-21 14:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Petition Approved	Hi Everyone, Just wanted to let you know...was approved 9/19/06..Good luck to everyone!! melinda Wow that was fast.!!! Congrats to you. Maggie	maggieNomar	Female	Morocco	2006-09-20 16:31:00