ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney advice k3-IR1
In fact, on my way to work just now, I was thinking...if your attorney didn't know about the administrative closure of K3s, he probably doesn't know that waivers are no longer being submitted via the consulate, and now they go through a lockbox procedure in the US. It doesn't necessarily affect the actual preparation of the waiver, but it certainly will affect the way it's processed, and you don't want to pay someone who has no idea how this works. If you go to immigrate2us.net's General Waiver Info section, there is a thread dedicated to details of lockbox filing and a timeline thread which shows that right now, lockbox-filed waivers are being processed substantially faster than waivers filed at the consulate prior to this change. Definitely read that section before you proceed, just so you can be fully informed no matter what you decided to do, with or without the lawyer.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-07-09 18:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney advice k3-IR1
I think it's odd that your attorney refers to an additional fee for "consular processing". whether K3 or IR1, both of these are done at the consulate, both are consular processing. I am really concerned that this lawyer does not understand the process very well, especially if he didn't know that K3s have administratively been getting closed for at least a year now.

I think before you make a decision, you should visit the waivers section of this forum as well as immigrate2us.net, which is a forum specifically dedicated to consular filing with a waiver. It's hard to walk away from an investment in a lawyer, and frankly, even with the additional "consular processing" fee, your lawyer isn't charging as much as many of the leaders in the consular processing field. A waiver is a complicated venture, many have succeeded at doing them alone, but you really have to be ready, do a ton of research, and be sure of yourself. In this case, it sounds like you really might be better off doing the waiver yourself rather than paying an incompetent lawyer. But first, I would be sure to do a consultation with a lawyer trusted in the waiver community, to check the facts of your case, make sure you're on the right track. Laura Fernandez and Lizz Cannon are two suggestions that I personally have worked with, trust, and love their work, and they both do free initial consults. Laurel Scott is one of the best in the industry, runs a free weekly chat on her website, and can also be trusted for advice. Link to her site in my signature.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-07-09 18:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGreen Card Question
The green card is mailed AFTER you do POE. The IR1/CR1 stamp in the passport is what gets you into the country. Once you go through POE, the packet you give them is supposed to trigger the green card getting produced and mailed to the address on file. Probably within 2-6 weeks or so. So unless you know you're going to be outside the US at that point, you should have it sent to the address where you will be staying in the months after arrival, or a trustworthy permanent US address. You will need it for subsequent entries to the US, but not the first.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-07-12 00:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAfter Getting CR-1 Visa
CR-1 status does not make her a US citizen. To become a US citizen, she will first have to remove the conditions on her visa (after 2 yrs of living in the US) to have a permanent green card. After that, she can pursue citizenship with the N-400 process after 3 years of residing in the US, based on marriage to a US citizen. Permanent residency is different than citizenship. I don't know much about Japanese nationality law, but I know that having a US green card does not make her a US citizen.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-07-12 01:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTranslation not neccessary?

I've decided to get her Birth Cert translated by a translator and I'm going to translate the notary stamp myself and sign and write the magical statement that makes it an acceptable translation.

There are a total of maybe 5 words on the notary stamp. I think I can handle it, I do speak fluent Indonesian now anyway.


I would still have someone unrelated to the process sign off on the translation, even if you do the actual translating yourself. I've always translated my husband's documents myself but I have someone else review and sign the certifying statement, just so immigration has no room to have problems with the translations.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-07-13 04:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTranslation not neccessary?
I used to trust that NVC statement about not needing translations but now I think it's inaccurate. Always check with the specific embassy.

Jakarta says the following:

All foreign language document(s) must be accompanied by a complete and accurate English translation done by any translator competent in English and the foreign language. Document(s) must be signed and dated by the translator underneath this statement: “This is a complete and accurate translation into English of the attached document”. Notarization of the document(s) is unnecessary.


source: http://jakarta.usemb..._interview.html

For the Marriage certificate, I would expect that you don't need to translate the notary stamp if the document is already contains all the information in English. It should be acceptable as-is, but hopefully other Jakarta filers will weigh in on that since they should be familiar with document requirements there.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-07-12 00:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTranslation of civil documents - yes/no?
Yeah, always check directly with the embassy. Having filed through two different consulates so far, I've found that translation requirements do vary from place to place, but if your embassy website doesn't make any mention of needing Polish-language documents translated, you should have no problem.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-07-10 06:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow regester marriage certificate in America
Yeah, the US doesn't maintain a federal-level registry of marriages, it's all done at the local level, and that's part of the reason why you can use a foreign marriage certificate for all legal purposes in the US without needing any further registration. I had never heard of a county court registering a foreign marriage certificate, so that's something new to me, but I know that my local county in IL wouldn't do such a thing (I knew someone who asked), and I would suspect this isn't something that most counties would do, as they're tasked with recording marriages that occurred inside their own county.


I think the Philippines aren't party to the Hague Convention, so probably apostilles aren't issued there, but some kind of authentication on the seal might be an extra over-the-top bonus just to be safe.

Edited by GlobeHopperMama, 14 July 2012 - 10:18 PM.

GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-07-14 22:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBorder agent pushed for K-3, worth it?
Border agents have literally no clue about visa processing. I have heard so many people wind up in the craziest and most unfortunate situations because they took a border agent's advice. Those guys really enjoy the power they exercise and they don't hesitate to offer unsolicited and very uninformed immigration advice. Border agents don't adjudicate paperwork and they don't know the process, they simply check visa validity and that's it. You keep doing what you've researched to be best. At this point in the process, it's incredibly unlikely that a K-3 will be useful, if you've already filed I-130. I-129f is not going to be adjudicated that much faster and then you'll just have wasted your time filing another packet that will get closed the moment the I-130 is approved.

Having your wife visit again may not be guaranteed, and I'm sure you're prepared for that, but as long as you do your reading and get all the documents prepared far ahead of time for each stage, it shouldn't be much longer until she gets to enter as an immigrant!
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-07-22 17:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSING SURNAME OF THE HUSBAND
To make it simple, use the name that is on your passport or will be on your passport when you interview for the visa. The interview appointment letter will be made out in the name that you use for immigration right now (on the I-130) and most embassies/consulates check that the name on the appointment letter matches the name on your passport, which is the only ID they really care to see when entering for your appointments. I'm not sure how it works in the UK, but when I married in the US, no change was made in my name, and I kept my married name for all legal purposes for four more years. When I finally did legally change it, a lot went into getting it legally recognized at the government level, several weeks of paperwork culminating in a new passport at the very end. You can use other names in the corresponding names section of the petition, but make sure the name you put on the very top is the one that will be legally recognized by your government by the time you interview for the visa.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-07-29 07:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInfo on denied CR-1
The lockbox is MUCH MUCH faster than filing through Juarez right now. Juarez I-601 decisions are somewhere around 6-7 months, while the lockbox has recently approved some well-prepared waivers in 2 weeks!

There is a great deal of Lockbox discussion, some timelines, and a lot of Mexican waiver filers on immigrate2us. See this thread in particular:
http://immigrate2us....cussion-(part-2)
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-08-03 00:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-30 mistake
Honestly, I've heard of plenty of people making this kind of mistake (and even bigger ones, like dates and status of entry, and other wild things). As long as you correct it before the interview begins, there's no danger or harm. Obviously it's ideal to get all the info written correctly the first time, but if not, immigration fortunately is understanding of the need to fix information. Don't bother calling USCIS. The phone staff people have really nothing to do with petition adjudication, aren't even in the same location as your petition, and are more likely to mix things up and create more chaos than anything else if they take any action at all. You also don't want your petition being somehow pulled out of line to try to correct this if you can actually get through to someone, as this is one way they get lost and/or the wait time gets lengthened. If they consider the birthdate issue a problem, they will RFE, but honestly, that's less complication-prone than trying to pre-empt an RFE. When an RFE is issued, the petition is already on an adjudicator's desk, and is simply placed aside waiting for the requested evidence, and then resumes its rightful place as soon as the evidence arrives. The best you can do is have evidence ready, such as an amended I-130, and copies of birth cert/passport, so that if you receive an RFE, you can submit anything requested right away.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-07-08 07:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about filling out i-130 and i-864
As far as filing directly with the consulate, unfortunately USCIS doesn't have a field office in Paris so Direct Consular Filing in France hasn't been available since August 2011. However, this thread seems to indicate that if you use your foreign address on the petition, it is likely to experience expedited processing at the USCIS service center in the US that processes it. So definitely use your foreign address in the first section of the petition if you want a shot at the faster processing.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-07-13 10:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChange of mind: Cancel K1 to get CR1 instead
There should be no impact on the CR1 process if you switch from K1. The petitioner and beneficiary are the same, and lots of people decide not to wait! The most you have to lose is the filing fee from your I-129f.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-06-28 03:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice certificate, AOS package, and timing???
Police records are not required for the US or Mexico unless the applicant has a criminal history in either country. See this page and the Reciprocity by Country tables: http://travel.state....195.html#police

If there is an arrest history, then the local law enforcement that oversaw the arrest should be able to give you records. Otherwise, they have nothing to give you.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-08-30 02:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Income question
Current annual income is whatever you're projected to earn for all of 2012. So use whatever your employment letter says. Later the I-864 asks for adjusted gross incomes from 2011, 2010, 2009 tax returns and you can put the tax transcript income figures there.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-09-02 01:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-130 for wife in michoacan mexico
This guide should give you all the info you need.

http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide1

I´m not sure why you have a deadline of Friday, but rushing to fill out forms and file is one way to increase the chances of messing something up, getting your process delayed, etc. Take your time to read through the instructions and double-check that you're including everything you need. If you're struggling to figure it out, that's a sign you need the assistance of a trustworthy immigration lawyer. There are a lot out there, some more reliable than others. Three that I personally trust and recommend are linked in my signature. Do not under any circumstances use the services of a "notario" or even just a nice well-meaning person who isn't licensed to practice law or certified to prepare immigration paperwork. That's one way simple cases get completely wrecked and turned into complicated cases.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-09-04 03:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support form CR1/IR1
Household size question, your'e correct, it's 3.

Combined income question, yes, if her husband completes I-864a and provides the relevant documentation for his part, then his component get submitted alongside her I-864 and their income is combined for meeting the poverty guideline. Good luck!

Edited by GlobeHopperMama, 24 September 2012 - 04:20 AM.

GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-09-24 04:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp getting a noob started??
If you're married to a US citizen, the simplest visa to seek is an immigrant/spouse visa, CR1 for marriages younger than 2 yrs or IR1 for marriages older than that. This will also allow you to work anywhere and in any capacity almost immediately from the time of your entry to the US. The only other spouse-based "immigrant visa" option, K3, is obsolete in Mexico and pointless anyway because it's more expensive and requires that you wait for several months after entry to the US before you can start working legally.

If you seek any non-immigrant visa, such as H1B or whichever employment-based visa may be useful in your case, there are so many complications. For one thing, the non-spouse visas would require employer sponsorship, which means first you have to find an eligible employer to sponsor your visa. Not only are the fees and paperwork a lot more to deal with,but because these are considered "temporary" visas, there's another obstacle. You also have to beat the assumption that you ultimately plan to immigrate to the US, which is elevated by the fact that you have a US citizen spouse. Your careers and the fact that your spouse has been employed in Mexico could work in your favor, but I have a lot of non-US friends married to US citizens who weren't able to get non-immigrant visas to the US, and only had success once they went through the immigrant spouse visa process.

As far as DCF, Ciudad Juarez accepts mailed I-130s (see this page and scroll down to I-130). Everyone from all over Mexico has to go to Juarez for the immigrant visa medical and interview at the end, no matter where the petition was filed, so in the end, you'll have to go there no matter what, but at least you can get the petition filed without having to physically go to Juarez for that part. If you visit that link on immigrate2us, you should be able to find all the details on what documents you need in your I-130 packet to mail to Juarez. I would still try to contact Juarez to get some specifics, especially in relation to the form of payment they accept for the petition filing fee. Also make sure to include a copy of your wife's FM2/FM3 or other proof of legal residency in Mexico. Good luck!

Edited by GlobeHopperMama, 21 September 2012 - 10:05 PM.

GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-09-21 22:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp getting a noob started??
CR1 is the visa to seek, it seems. The rest are far too complicated and would be extra complicated by the fact that you are married to a US citizen, interestingly enough. You can absolutely DCF through Mexico City, Monterrey, or Ciudad Juarez, whichever governs your area of residence, and it would be wise to do so, as you will experience much faster and somewhat simpler processing that way. You can check out the DCF section of this forum, or the DCF section of immigrate2us which contains mainly Mexico-specific DCF information and experiences:

http://immigrate2us....lar-Filing-(DCF)
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-09-20 07:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresds230
I'm not sure who your husband talked to, but the best source of information in this situation is office taking the paperwork itself!

Is your case currently in the NVC? If so, these are the instructions: http://travel.state..../info_3190.html and yes you do need to submit all the civil documents with the DS-230. If not, you will get an RFE and your case can't proceed until you submit the documents.

If your case is a DCF case, where you filed your petition directly at Manila, then they will provide the instructions for interview preparation and you need to follow them carefully. The DCF section of this forum has tons of Manila filers who can direct you to the steps for submitting DS-230 there.

Edited by GlobeHopperMama, 25 September 2012 - 01:34 AM.

GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-09-25 01:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDelay after US Immigrant interview
Oh, dreaded Administrative Processing. This happens a lot at New Delhi and a lot of other consulates, and there's no good way to know how much longer it will be, and virtually no way to make it go faster. Some people have the US petitioner's elected officials do inquiries with the consulate, but they often end up in the same place you are: getting messages that the case continues under administrative processing. So frustrating. Hopefully you can connect with other New Delhi filers who have been through this for support. :(
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-06-27 02:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshelp on DS-230
Definitely don't lie. However, your unlawful presence isn't just going to be overlooked because of your marriage. Are you familiar with the I-601 waiver process? You should certainly research this before submitting the DS-230 because you're going to want to take some time to prepare a solid waiver packet before leaving the US so you don't have to be gone for too long. There's a LOT of information about this on immigrate2us.net. Start with this thread and then make your way through the stickies in the General Waiver section:

http://immigrate2us.net/forum/showthread.php?92654-Help!-My-foreign-spouse-or-fiance-is-was-present-in-the-US-illegally.-What-do-I-do
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-09-25 20:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresinterview one day before our 2-year wedding anniversary
Ultimately, the green card received is supposed to be based on the date of entry at POE, not the date the visa is issued. However, immigration is more likely to get it wrong than right if you just leave it in their hands to figure out. Even in cases where people hit their 2-yr anniversary between the case arriving at the consulate and the visa interview they tend to walk out with a CR1 because the consular officers default to the visa class as it was when they received the case. Same at POE. So while going through POE, make sure to present the marriage certificate and indicate that a 10-yr green card should be issued. If you're staying not too far from the consulate, it may also be possible to go back the day after the interview and request that the CR1 in the passport be changed to IR1, although following up with the POE to make sure the correct GC is requested would still be necessary.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-09-29 23:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere do Friends and family Letters come in place?
Well, first, this is EXACTLY the question you should be asking your lawyer, and second, you haven't given enough information in your post for people to know what stage these letters would be for. I'm interpreting that you're inadmissible for a visa and you will be filing an I-601 waiver. This is exactly why your lawyer needs to work with you regarding who writes letters and why. Your lawyer will be preparing the documentation along the way and knows exactly what kinds of letters would be useful and which would be just fluff. For example, at the I-130 petition stage, letters are not that useful in a case like yours. You probably have way more compelling evidence of your relationship being real if you've been married awhile and have three kids. At the I-601stage, letters sometimes can be useful, depending on the situation. From family or friends, they mainly are useful if there's a moral character problem (the immigrant has criminal history to overcome). But they can also be secondary support for hardships IF you're already providing good evidence to support the claims from more official sources. For example, a co-workers recounting of your difficulty coping on the job without your husband there.

In general, here are some tips for having family write letters for all sorts of purposes in immigration:
http://www.goldengat...ference-letter/

and here are some tips on getting letters from health care providers and such:
http://immigrate2us....h-care-provider

But really, before having anyone provide a letter, you need to find out from your attorney what kinds they want, because they will be the ones constructing the waiver packet, so they know what the letters should contain and who should write them. And if they don't know, then it's time to find a different waiver lawyer! Good luck!
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-10-09 00:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresaffidavit of support question
The fastest and easiest way to get an IRS transcript is online:
http://www.irs.gov/I...er-a-Transcript

Free, just put in the info and it comes in the mail in like a week.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-10-09 21:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRequest for Joint Sponsor at Interview

Thank you very much for the information. Now one more question if you don't mind. My joint sponsor which is my father will file an I 864 as a joint sponsor. He makes more than enough money to meet the income levels required for the respective household size. He does file married filing jointly, should my mother fill out a I 864a?


You can do it either way. Mom fills out I-864a, or he submits his I-864 alone and includes W2s and paystubs or other employment documentation to verify which part of the joint income is his. We've done it both ways in our long history with immigration. :P
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-10-10 23:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRequest for Joint Sponsor at Interview
And no, a new appointment shouldn't be necessary. When they requested further documentation, they should have given a sheet (I think it's still blue at CDJ?) that specifies what they need and what process to use in submitting it to them.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-10-09 01:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRequest for Joint Sponsor at Interview
Ciudad Juarez seems to constantly change its mind on keeping the passport vs. giving it back in cases like this, so I wouldn't necessarily worry either way on that. As far as how long it will take, CDJ generally gives like an 8-10 day estimate on things like this as far as I know from when they receive the documents. But it can always take longer than that.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-10-09 01:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi864 help again
The joint sponsor only sponsors the intending immigrant(s), not the US petitioner. So his household of 4 plus your wife and daughter.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-10-21 00:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 help!
Unfortunately Dublin doesn't have a USCIS international office so you can't do DCF there, but if you file to the Chicago Lockbox using your address abroad (for you, the petitioner), you're likely to experience expedited processing (see this thread: http://www.visajourn...-living-abroad/). This could result in petition approval in under a month in the best case, and then your case goes onward to the NVC. If you use all the tips and shortcuts found around here, and gather all your vital docs while the petition is processing or before, then you should be able to get through the NVC stage rapidly (under a month) and get in the queue for an immigrant visa interview at Dublin. There are always perils here and there, and with immigration, processing times are never particularly guaranteed, so it could take longer, but in a good scenario, that's what you're likely to experience. K3 visa is virtually obsolete now, the I-129f petitions are generally being rejected once the I-130 is approved (which normally happens first) and really wouldn't result in getting your husband to the US much faster. Plus with the additional expense and extra filing requirements alongside the inability to work or get a driver's license until filing the adjustment of status packet in the US, it's hardly a good choice for most people even if it were theoretically possible to get still.

Edited by GlobeHopperMama, 28 August 2012 - 03:31 AM.

GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-08-28 03:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCr-1 denied
Perhaps visit immigrate2us.net. When you post there, put a complete timeline, like
month/year - he entered the US
month/year - he tried drugs with some friends
month/year - he left the US to go to his interview
month/year - he attempted to enter without inspection and got caught

etc.

From what you describe so far, it sounds like he has a lot of complications and it's possible he was in the US for more than a year before he left and then tried to re-enter without inspection? If so, there is a lifetime ban with no chance at a waiver until he's been continuously outside the US for 10 years, and there's no way to waive that or fight it if the determination has been made at the consulate. It's called the "9C ban" for short, because it is based on the law under INA 212(a)(9)©. A lot of lawyers get spooked by especially complicated cases, have no real idea what to do in 9C cases, but if you talk to one of the three lawyers linked in my signature and they say there isn't anything that can be done, I would trust that their word is true and there really isn't a way out. This is why I suggest immigrate2us. There are a lot of people on that forum who are living with these kinds of bans who are finding ways to survive the 10 years, and you can find a lot of support there.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-11-01 04:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to go about providing chats/sms evidence when you are arguing alot?
Although this article is about Stokes interviews rather than regular relationship evidence for a petition, I did find it amusing and informative, especially on the topic of arguing for USCIS officials. In one case cited near the end of the article, the bickering just served to further the authenticity of the relationship in the officials' minds!

http://www.nytimes.c...?pagewanted=all


The point is, be authentic in your evidence and the bonafide relationship will be easier to note.

Edited by GlobeHopperMama, 14 October 2012 - 08:57 AM.

GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-10-14 08:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 Spouse Visa
It may be encouraging (?) to note that Bogota is a total chaotic mess most of the time. On the one hand, they love to make themselves feel important by creating all kinds of bureaucratic hoopla. On the other hand, they don't actually even know what to do with a lot of the hoopla they create. I only say this because I constantly see people getting put through the wringer for absolutely no apparent reason at Bogota. On the downside, I know some people who had their case screwed up for several MONTHS thanks to Bogota completely not understanding a very standard procedure. These things happen. Just do what they ask and hopefully you'll have that visa sooner rather than later!
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-11-19 08:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 Visa Worth it?
Another thing nobody has mentioned yet (maybe they don't know), but if you are residing outside the US when you file the petition, are in a non-DCF (no USCIS field office) country, and use your foreign address on the petition, you are very likely to experience expedited processing of your petition. See this thread:
http://www.visajourn...-living-abroad/

*Edit* I just noticed there have been some changes since I last checked that option, perhaps not the few-days/few-weeks process it used to be. It seems they've begun to apply a different process to petitions filed from abroad, but VJ doesn't have enough statistics to show what's really going on, and USCIS isn't really offering any clues, either...

So although it would perhaps make it more difficult to file a K3 petition, if you use your foreign address on the I-130, it would probably be faster. I haven't seen a K3 approved in years, although it's not like I sit and watch carefully for these things, but I've been on immigration forums for 5 years now and for at least the last 2 there has been no real incentive to file a K3 since it's a slower petition, it's been deemed quite obsolete and frankly I'm not sure why it's still detailed in the guides on this site as a viable option. You can file the K3, but if it's going to require using a US address and placing yourself in the standard queue for US-filed petitions, it may not be worth it when there's a pretty compelling faster option for getting an I-130 approved. And as stated previously, if you file the form for electronic notification, you will be informed of the petition approval long before you receive the paper approval notice so even using an unreliable foreign address wouldn't be terribly detrimental. Just something to consider.

Edited by GlobeHopperMama, 20 November 2012 - 07:04 AM.

GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-11-20 06:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures2 NOA not yet receive
Sounds like the petition has been approved! The NVC wouldn't have your case yet and be asking for fees yet if it weren't. I would want to make sure that your address on file with the NVC is correct, or use a different one if mail delivery in your area is unreliable. This was the case for me, my mail carriers where I lived in the US really couldn't handle even simple addresses like mine and frequently lost stuff so I used a family members' to ensure that I got all notices and correspondence during the immigration process. You don't absolutely need the NOA2, your case will progress whether you've received it or not. But I definitely wanted my copy for my records and actually needed it again recently (but our case is crazy, this wouldn't happen to you). Hopefully the paper notice arrives in the mail soon!

P.S. This is in the K1 Fiance section but I think you're talking about a CR1/IR1 visa, right?

Edited by GlobeHopperMama, 02 December 2012 - 04:02 AM.

GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-12-02 03:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBiggest Mistake of My Life?
You could do an FOIA, but as I said before, the final decision is made at the consulate when you interview for the visa. Right now, nobody can punch in info to a computer and tell you, "Yeah, you're banned under XXX section" or "No, you're fine". And FOIAs often take time, time that I doubt you want to waste sitting there finding out something you'll eventually find out anyway when you interview. The most you might find out is some notes on what they say happened that day. But being refused entry itself isn't a problem. It's just any potential that the info they put into their report will be construed as misrepresentation at the consulate when you go for an immigrant visa. Before you freak out or assume you're screwed, talk to one of those lawyers I recommended. They can help you go in with a level head. Maybe there's nothing to worry about. Maybe there is. Either way, there's hope. And truly, go into the interview prepared with legal advice.
GlobeHopperMamaFemaleMexico2012-11-29 21:21:00
US Citizenship General Discussion400N test passed but not approved
QUOTE (cookiee @ Jul 29 2009, 11:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
so how was your interview ? give us some details..

the interview was really smooth beside one incident. i had an appointement for 8:30 so i was waiting and waiting 9:10 still no one called my name so i was wondering because people with 9 o'clock apointment have been called in and not me, so i asked one officer when she opened the door but man that woman was mean. i told her please i have 8:30 appointment and it's 9:15 now and other with 9 appointment are already been called in, and she was like WHEN IT'S YOUR TURN WE WILL CALL YOUR NAME. so i swallowed that. and finally the officer that was suppose to interview me was kind of behind and first thing she said that she was sorry about the wait. i was relieved after that because i was like at least i didn't get a pissy one. so we went to her office she made me swear and then sat down and she told me that she will asked me 10 question but he i answered 6 correctly i will pass. so she asked me what is the name of our national antem? what is the rule of law? how many senators?what is the 4 amendment that were added?something like that and the name the ocean in the west cost? and what month do we vote the president? after that she asked me to read one sentence and she took that back but she asked me to write the same sentence that i read and that was it with the test, it didn't take like 10 minutes, after that we went though my application everything one fine and gave her my tax return from the 2008 since i didn't have them when i filed. and that was it and she told me that i passed and she will not approve me as she doesn't have my A file. but i should received a letter if she needs more info or i will receive and letter with my oath ceremony and that will take about 3 to 4 months. so i left their office and logged in here and asked if anyone experience the samething. (see the top of the page)
kpogge89Not TellingMorocco2009-07-29 11:24:00
US Citizenship General Discussion400N test passed but not approved
QUOTE (display name @ Jul 29 2009, 10:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (kpogge89 @ Jul 29 2009, 11:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Cuchita @ Jul 29 2009, 10:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So your GC is expired?. How did you get and interview apptmt?. I don't get it.

yes i do have an expired GC now because i never got the 10 years one until now, i have been told that i can file the N400 even though my I751 not approved yet, for some reason since i filed the I751 until now haven't hear anything about I751 yet but the funny things i got a quick answer on my N400 and i even got interviewed and passed the test but never approved because they didn't have my A file where all my history with them is. so i'm lost in this delema now. anything that i need to clearify more?



your questions is in your answer.

thanks kathryn41 you made me feel better now. because it's start getting under my skin because i have done everything right but for some reason i couldn't fegure out what was going on with my I751 that took right now over 2 years. ah i well i guess i will just sit and wait and see what will happen. thank you guys for the feedback.
kpogge89Not TellingMorocco2009-07-29 11:03:00
US Citizenship General Discussion400N test passed but not approved
QUOTE (Cuchita @ Jul 29 2009, 10:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So your GC is expired?. How did you get and interview apptmt?. I don't get it.

yes i do have an expired GC now because i never got the 10 years one until now, i have been told that i can file the N400 even though my I751 not approved yet, for some reason since i filed the I751 until now haven't hear anything about I751 yet but the funny things i got a quick answer on my N400 and i even got interviewed and passed the test but never approved because they didn't have my A file where all my history with them is. so i'm lost in this delema now. anything that i need to clearify more?

kpogge89Not TellingMorocco2009-07-29 10:34:00