ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnything and everything.

..I got emailed notifs for this lol, i am the BF replying as of NOW... i believe my gf made this post though as she told me via email & facebook...
No i am not a predator .. lol we've met and ive stayed with her and her family for 3months!! :P back in oct and yes a few last posts was about going to the USA for the first time! :]

PLease if youre going to be jerks on this post, dont bother replying, the smart remarks wont be answered!!! :P

Thanks for the help to the ones who replied with links and SOME info.. im checking it all out and taking it in! I have a picture up of us also, so dont be going around assuming someons a predator ...thats a strong word to call someone... specially when they arent.


PS: Northern ireland Marriage 16-17 need parental consent/birth certif,ID and a witness.. 18 & above, witness, license etc.. I know the law here, as ive lived here. lol IM just wondering for the USA. cheers~THE BF



Don't get on here and tell the posters they are jerks as EVERYONE who posted was reacting to the attitude given by your GF. She wasn't getting the answers she wanted to hear and seemed unwilling to do her own research. Everyone is more than willing to help where they can but the smartazz attitude was too much
LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-04-25 15:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnything and everything.
SO MANY THREADS...... I think she is looking for the answer she wants to hear that works the best for her...:bonk: If she read the guidelines, things would become a bit clearer.





http://www.visajourn...99#entry6108099
http://www.visajourn...62#entry6121362
http://www.visajourn...87#entry6135087
:wow:

OP, are you the girl or the Irish guy this time? In each different thread you post, you what to know about either a K-1, VWP or CR1. Either you know you want to come to the states to marry or you marry in Ireland. It seems suspicious and as though you are just finding ways to get to the US and stay here. What are you both really after?


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-04-25 09:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnything and everything.
If you read the guides as suggested.... you would know the forms you need AND if you visit the USCIS site, it is spelled out there too. If you don't want to research and prepare then I suggest finding an immigration attorney who can do everything for a LARGE fee

Nobody here will put up with attitude. We are all here to help and support each other.

I get the "feeling" you are getting married to keep someone in the states legally...... but just so you know.... being married doesn't automatically grant a greencard.
If I were you, I'd be asking different questions ...... and I'd be researching the co-sponsor and the actual cost of the entire process. Its not just about getting married and letting everything fall into place.



just sayin'
LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-04-25 07:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWill significant age difference pose a problem in interview date? Please help!

I have an intenational plan with MetroPCS for my cell. I get unlimited international texts and unlimited calls to a landline in Costa Rica.

When I call his cell, I use BOSS REVOLUTION. I set it up on my phone where I just dial the Boss number and it just asks me to enter the number I want to call.  Its just like using a calling card but when you hang up, your minutes don't get used up. I can reload from my cell. Its very convenient. 

The number you call is just like using a calling card but no PIN number.  Your proof of communication would be all the times you dial the number. 


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-04-27 22:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 filing required documents: is birth certificate required if I have US passport and Naturalization Certificate?

 

No. That person is wrong. The I-130 instructions say

Since you were not born in the U.S., that does not apply to you. Plus, that is under a section called "What Documents Do You Need to Show That You Are a U.S. Citizen?", and a foreign birth certificate serves no purpose for proving you are a U.S. citizen. You just need a U.S. passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.

 

 

As I said above, a foreign birth certificate for the petitioner is not needed. Plus, the I-130 does not need the beneficiary's birth certificate at all.

I absolutely was asked to send in both birth certificates and I am a USC born here.  I had to get my husbands birth certificate translated too.  

 

Its better to send it than need it later and not have it handy.  I had everything translated and I included it in my petition.  I didn't want any RFE's


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-08-12 21:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130

Thanks, my case is still initial interview. do you have guys any idea how to expedite it? or does it have any way? smile.png

expedites are hard to get.  few and FAR between. 


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-08-22 13:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhich dates of I-130 form is USCIS currently processing/reviewing?

4 months is nothing.... The USCIS is stating 12 months for an approval... most likely to cover their asses but either way, a 4 month approval would be a gift from God.    hang out here and wait. Reading the posts helps the time go by.

 

Find a thread for the month you filed. then you can follow everyones progress for that month. 


Edited by LoveMyTico, 22 August 2013 - 09:25 AM.

LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-08-22 09:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI filled abroad, and would like to enter the states with my hubby with out having to leave before him

I would suggest reading the threads here about the K-3.  It is NOT any faster than the I-130 and they end up getting processed together anyway. 

 

READ READ READ. All the answers you are looking for are here.


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-09-23 07:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCivil documents,

NVC needs originals.  I would Fedex them so you can track them.  They will be in the package for your interview  but I would STILL bring a copy of everything you sent.  Being over prepared isn't a bad thing.


Edited by LoveMyTico, 23 September 2013 - 04:54 PM.

LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-09-23 16:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA straight up question, give it to me straight.

autually your wrong. I dont need justification or aproval. i make decisions based on facts, for what is best for me and my family. i dont need approval, or validation.

You came here looking for ways to avoid having your gf leave the country.  overstay her B2 visa...  Looking for loopholes...  Nobody here is going to tell you the best way to break the law.


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-09-26 19:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA straight up question, give it to me straight.

 

I understand, and i am sympathetic for you and others. please understand, i am not asking how to break the rules. Only asking what are my options, and the best route to take.   Honestly.. If you were in my shoes, what would you do? I suspect the same as me. Everything possible within the law, and take advantage of every loophole you could find. right?

I was in your shoes.....my BF( now husband)  was here on a B2 visa. He went home and now he is there waiting for our papers to be approved. I didn't want anything coming back to bite us in the A$$.  So the answer to your question is.... NO, I wouldn't break the law to bypass the rules.

 Sometimes the easy way isn't always the best way.  

 

 

read read read this forum and search for your topic.  You WILL find that nobody here will advise you its ok to break the law .    


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-09-26 17:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI'm so overwhelmed Im gonna cry my eyes out

I suggest you read the guide.

yup,  before asking repeat questions,  check out the guide.  It will answer almost everything for you... Then ask questions for clarification! ! !  You are also able to check out past threads.  Tons of good info.  

 

Don't feel overwhelmed.. Just read first, then get your plan of action together.  Double check everything before you send it in.  You'll be fine.


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-09-20 13:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI'm so overwhelmed Im gonna cry my eyes out

Read the guides on this forum. The first blue bar on the top of the page.  They are soooooo helpful.  You can also read the threads for more information.   When you do finally file, come back and create a timeline and fill in the information so we all can track your progress along with you. 

 

Right now, the processing is slow. Super slow to be exact.  You can count on 9-12 months for your I-130 approval and then about 8 weeks for the NVC.   Who knows, maybe by the time you file, the USCIS will have things rolling.  Like I said, it is super slow now.  Best to get your papers in ASAP.


Edited by LoveMyTico, 20 September 2013 - 01:07 PM.

LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-09-20 13:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife's interview date set for next month, just found out I was fired

 

haha, yes. I guess life without challenges is boring... sad.png

 

The company actually fired me the day before I am taking a 2 week vacation to see the wife. According to them, they thought it was better if I knew I had no job before going on vacation so I don't spend too much. How thoughtful of them.

 

For the joint sponser, I fill out a new I-864 form and have my dad fill out the I-864A?

OMG, I hate companies that do that.  I guess they thought they were doing you a favor... "Have a great trip and by the way... don't stress too much about being fired while you're on vacation"     UGHHHH

 

Have a great visit !  File for unemployment and take care of everything before you go !!!  It will all work out !!


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-08-16 13:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChange of name after filing I-130

Thanks for the replies everyone! I think i'm just going to stay the course and keep things as is for now. It's easier for me anyway smile.png

I'm not changing mine until after he is here. It is a huge pain in the rear to change my license and SS card first.... then my passport so everything matches. I am still going back and forth to CR to visit, so it would be a huge inconvenience right now.  And I don't want to pay the expedite fee for the passport. 

 

I had to submit a copy of my entire passport to prove my travel... I would hate to have to show 2 passports and cause the slightest confusion and slow something down.  LOL  


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-10-01 12:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of support income requirements

Usually current income is sufficient, if you've been there a few months, and can get a letter from the employer saying it is a permanent stable job.

Do they consider child support and suvivors benefits part of your income? Providing you can show proof ?


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-10-03 10:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresage difference :(

I am 13 years older than my husband. Age was never a concern.  We have ton of proof. We used to live together in the US.   I am the USC.  Like an earlier post says, if you were 80 years old it might be an issue.    15 years in not a big deal   POSITIVE VIBES..  Good Luck


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-09-13 22:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIm a little confused

Out of curiosity, what source does your lawyer have about this? 

it was a publication that was forwarded to him by a partner  Dated October 6, 2013  They gave me the print out of the email and article.

 

 

Also, check the TSC for I-129F K-3 petitions. My K-3 went to Texas according to my lawyers office


Edited by LoveMyTico, 09 October 2013 - 07:00 PM.

LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-10-09 18:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIm a little confused

  There are rarely  approved K3's processed anymore,  they died out about 4 years ago.  If it makes you feel like you are doing something go ahead.  All you are doing is throwing away the postage and fees for all the copies of evidence 

you went through the system back in 2011 when things were super fast.  I got word yesterday that they are starting to process K-3's again.  With my lawyer's advice, we filed the K-3 today.  The processing time is posted at 5 months. The I-130's are posted at 16.6 months. At least if the K-3 isn't processed in the posted timeframe, I can start bitching.  My I-130 is at 6 months and I haven't heard one word. I can't even do a service request because they say the processing time is 6-12 months from the time they tell me that info. 

I am an April filer.   If the K-3 gets processed first, I'll go with that. If the I-130 gets processed first, then I'll go with that. Its not a waste anymore according to the information my lawyer relayed to me. 


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-10-09 18:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIm a little confused

 

Oh, and don't bother with the K3, the process has sped up enough that they are very rarely ever granted anymore and may actually slow down the processing of your case these days.

This information is false.

 

K-3 processing times are posted as 5 months at the TSC. I was advised yesterday to go ahead and file a K-3. The I-130's are taking longer than expected....posted at an average of 16.6 months.

 

The K-3 is free and it does NOT slow down the process of the files as they are both adjudicated at different service centers....

 

Information was given to me yesterday by my immigration attorney ..( who is filing K-3's for all his I-130 clients, by the way )


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-10-09 14:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan we move to the US while we wait on approval?

There are so many different opinions flying around.... Do what you feel is right. The K-3 still exists. 

 

My attorney advised me to file the K-3 (sent by fed-ex yesterday) because they have extended the I-130 processing times. He believes the K-3 is a good choice.   And no, it didn't cost me one extra penny to file. The lawyer was paid a flat fee.  He's not making anything extra

 

 


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-10-15 13:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan we move to the US while we wait on approval?

You can apply for the K-3.. but you still have to wait for that to be processed. Once that is approved you go to the interview and then your spouse can enter the US and adjust status.  Applying doesn't mean you get to travel while waiting.  If the K-3 gets approved first, you can go that route. If they combine them and they get processed at the same time, they will close the K-3 and you will be going down the I-130 path.  Once that is approved, it gets sent to NVC for processing and then to the embassy for your interview.  then your spouse enters and a greencard gets mailed automatically... no need to adjust status.. 

 

Read the guides above for the K-3 process.  it explains the difference in more detail   


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-10-15 12:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCredit Checks with USCIS?

I think if they checked credit, there would be less approvals all the way around. yes.gif      THANK GOD ITS ONLY A BACKGROUND CHECK!!!blink.png


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-10-13 21:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan my i130 case be expideted in my situation??

Problem is, my lawyer told me that the USCIS doesn't care about the beneficiary so much. They are interested in the USC.  If it were YOU that needed the care and to have him here to care for you, then maybe....

I would say try to prove that you are supporting him. Do you send money for his care?  


Edited by LoveMyTico, 24 October 2013 - 10:01 PM.

LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-10-24 22:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan faxed or scanned docs be used by my lawyer for a visa petition?

I would say you need original passport  pictures because they attach the photos to your paperwork.   

 

My husband sent 6 passport pics and a our marriage certificate through FEDEX. It was here the next day.....  all the way from Costa Rica.  If he sent it regular mail, it would have taken a month...  CR has a horrible mail system. 

 

Call Fedex and ask about their services... 


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-10-24 04:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan faxed or scanned docs be used by my lawyer for a visa petition?

don't forget to have everything translated if it's not in english. If you send your package without it, you will get an RFE.


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-10-23 13:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan faxed or scanned docs be used by my lawyer for a visa petition?

You will need to submit all the originals to the NVC.... USCIS only requires copies... even of the photos.  Send a copy, keep a copy of everything you sent ( incase of an RFE) and keep the originals handy because you will need them later.  And bring copies of everything you ever sent to you interview also.  You can never be too prepared.   

 

GIve a read to the guides at the top of this page.  They are super helpful.


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-10-23 13:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 approved but now what?

 

Please explain to me WHEN and WHY the K3 (I129f) stopped being an option...I DO NOT  have the finances for the IR1 yet- as I am disabled and no longer receive disability payments and can not work- and to file the IR1/CR-1 I want to bring my husband to USA and then HE can work and pay the fees for the stupid IR-1! godddddddddd does anyone else here feel like choking the ever lovin sh-- outta someone right now?LOL

.I'm going mad now!!! This is just too  confusing!!! The site I've followed all along says this...nothing has changed since 2010 when I first started the process...
 

http://travel.state....types_2993.html

 

 

Did you file the K-3?  If not, nothing is stopping you from doing so, but if you  already got an approval for the I-130 , the K-3 won't go anywhere.  K-3's are taking longer to process these days and they usually meet up with the I-130 and then get closed anyway.  The approval is good for a year.  Let the USCIS and the NVC know you will take  a little while to pay the fees.  Don't let the time pass though, you'll have to re-file. 

 

ASLO... I'm confused about what you said about not being able to afford the fee and you want your husband to pay for the fees after he gets here?  Even with the K-3, You still need to meet the income eligiblity requirements for an approval.  If you don't, you can get a co-sponsor.


Edited by LoveMyTico, 18 September 2013 - 09:35 AM.

LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-09-18 09:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBirth Certificate Barely Legible

My husband's original birth certificate is barely legible and seriously, it feels like it will crumble when I hold it.   I made a color copy and it helped alot.  That is what I sent to the USCIS.  It is a very long winded document and nobody wanted to translate it. 

 

Now when the time comes to send the original to the NVC, if it crumbles when they open it, its on them  LOL  


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-11-16 20:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTraveling to the US with the entire family and pending I-130

He is a small dog:) he can travel both in the cabin or be checked, longer flights we normally check him.. Yup passport:) always stay at hotels that allows dogs:) brought him with is to Spain this summer..

However I think our plans might have changed as my I-130 took a surprising turn and got approved today... Nvc next and it is very possible that I can get my interview booked within two months, and there won't be an issue.. However it would still put things off a little as we aren't ready to move just yet.. It will prob take us 4-6 months to get everything ready to go.. Am I allowed to leave the US if I enter on my spouse visa in end of January? Again, tons of research to be made.. Can't wait till next year this time and I can look back at this and say, thank god that's in the past.

timeline.gif


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-11-22 21:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTraveling to the US with the entire family and pending I-130

IDK, maybe its just me.....  but why .... why   why   would you even take the chance of bringing the dog if you have so much riding on it?  If  you have 2 small children and would hate to be turned away.... is it worth the risk....?????? Maybe you'll get through but on the slim chance you don't..... You'll be kicking yourself.

 

leave the dog at home.... or don't stay so long.  I'm sure you can find someone to board him for a couple of weeks. 

 

 

I had to laugh at the passport for the dog.. Really?  Did I read that correctly??? I never heard of it.... then again, I wouldn't ever travel with my dog.

 

 

Is this dog one of the little dogs that travels in a carry-on or is it a big dog?


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-11-22 21:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExpedite Request Help??!

If you are in the US, you can apply for subsidized Daycare, food stamps and cash assistance.   I live in PA.  Daycare starts at 6 weeks old. I don't know of any daycares that won't accept a child that is under a year.  Unless its a specialty daycare, but most will take infants.    Call the county assistance office or visit the website and apply for assistance .   I don't think the expedite will go through for the reason you stated.  If child birth is not a reason, then I really think its a slim chance especially after reading all the forums on expedites. 

 

 

Also,  this time of year, there are tons of retail establishments who are hiring part time employees and the hours can be very flexible

 

 

Good Luck


Edited by LoveMyTico, 13 December 2013 - 04:57 PM.

LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-12-13 16:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresuscis says address changed,

help! can anyone of you guys received email from uscis stating that 

 

Your Case Status: Initial Review


On December 27, 2013, your address was changed relating to the I130, IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN that you filed.  Please check our website at www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case.  Please wait until the end of normal processing time before calling customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for live assistance. 


 

 

problem is, we didnt change our address, 

 

im just hoping that this is just an error and a proof that our case is being moved by uscis people, i hope this is a  good sign in any way...

 

thanks...

its a glitch in the system,  most people who received that notice got approved very shortly after that !!   GOOD LUCK..  Where were you transferred to?


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2013-12-27 16:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShould I send extra evidence??? PLEASE HELP!!

If I were you, I would sit tight. I wouldn't send any follow-up info because it will most likely get lost and never get matched up.  They lose the info that is in the regular package, can you imagine what they would do with an envelope that comes in after the fact?   There are so many files going in and out of there on a daily basis.  Wait for an RFE. You might not even get one.  If you already sent 10-12 pictures and other evidence, that is enough anyway.  Sometimes over kill is just too much

 

If you don't get an RFE, take the extra stuff with you to the interview


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2014-01-04 19:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRFE dilemma

did you meet her only a week before you got married or did you have an internet relationship?  If you met online you can submit chats.

 

I know of a few couples who met online and only met face to face when they got married.   They got approved no problem

 

where is your file being processed? 


Edited by LoveMyTico, 08 February 2014 - 10:03 PM.

LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2014-02-08 22:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRFE Help to show proof of a bonafide marital relationship

Do you have recent pictures of you together and you with the family?  That seems to be a big one.   Chat logs are great but it could be anyone on the other end of the computer.  Nigeria is famous for the internet thing. .  What about receipts for sending gifts?  I send boxes of stupid little things for birthdays and Christmas and sometimes just because and my husband saves the label from the package. He saves any cards I send etc.  We will bring those to the interview.  I add money to my husband's cell phone through boss revolution. I am able to print all the phone records by month and all the top up transactions. Just offering some suggestions. GOOD LUCK.


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2014-02-23 07:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTranslation stress

send it in without and if they want it  they will ask for it later.  If I were you, I'd get my file in the queue.  

I wouldn't get too technical


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2014-03-10 11:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow to start marrige based visa?
Start by reading the guides on this forum. ...its at the top of the page
LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2014-04-12 05:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS and IV Fee

Hi,

 

I have been looking the timelines of those who are under CR1 category and I just wanted to know how much is the AOS and the Visa Fee? Thank you. 

read the WIKI on the first post of this thread..  All of that info is there


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2014-04-13 06:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC IV Package

 

question for you regarding the IV packet to NVC.  Can you please let me know if I'm missing anything here?  

 

- 2 passport photos of my wife - name, dob, case number on the back

- 2 passport photos of me - name, dob, case number on the back

- certified copy and photocopy of my wife's birth certificate

- certified copy and photocopy of my birth certificate

- original police certificate

 

I've read online that some countries have specific documents they'd like, does VN have any that I'm not including here?  Is the household registry (Ho Khau) book needed?

 

 

Thanks!

 

don't forget the translations


LoveMyTicoFemaleCosta Rica2014-04-20 21:27:00