ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSome help on I 130 question (2. Have you ever before filed a petition for this or any other alien?)
Any chance you have a photocopy of the NOA1 or NOA2 in your files? The petition date would be on it.

Your next option would be just to ask your ex for a copy of it.

The most expensive option would be to request for a duplicate copy of the approval notice (which also has the receipt date/petition date)...you'd need to file an I-824 Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition...the fee is $340.

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

I 130


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-23 13:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSome help on I 130 question (2. Have you ever before filed a petition for this or any other alien?)
For the easy part, yes, Approved would be appropriate.

What type of petition did you file for your ex? Was it an I-129F or was it an I-130 also?

Im not sure on how to answer the question on Part D (Other Information) that asks: Have you ever filed a petition for this or any other alien? and
If "Yes," give name, place and date of filing and result.

I am stuck on this question and would like to know if I can just put an approximate date or how I can gather this info. I filed a couple of years ago for my ex but dont remember when the filing date is, all I have is the date the I485 was received. Also what terminology should I put if the application was "successful"? Would "APPROVED" be appropriate?


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-23 12:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion on Form Ds230
She can just put N/A - will start looking for work after green card is issued.

Question my wife is filling this out and I was curious, there is a question about Employment on the form. IT asks something like what will be your occupation once you arrive. What if my wife has no job obviously because shes immigrating. What would she put under there?


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-25 09:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax returns for interview
Seriously the legalese in the USCIS stuff can be intimidating. Thankfully we have members who have been through the muck and can make things clearer for the rest of us. lol

Thanks for pointing that out, I see it now. Yet on the main page of the I-864 website it states either is acceptable.

I guess we shouldn't be surprised that USCIS instructions are confusing. :wacko:


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-25 13:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax returns for interview
It's on page 11 of the I-1864 form: http://www.uscis.gov.../form/i-864.pdf

And I do concur that in the absence of a return, a transcript is acceptable. I sent in my husband's 2009 1040, 2008 1040 and the tax transcript for 2007.

Also sent W2s, letter of employment and his paystubs for 2010 (January to August, March was missing though.)

Not sure what check list you are working from but the USCIS site states that either a transcript or return is acceptable.

USCIS I-864 reference


"A photocopy or an Internal Revenue Service-issued transcript of a photocopy or an Internal Revenue Service-issued transcript of your complete Federal income tax return for your most recent tax year, or an explanation if it is not submitted. Your W-2s and/or 1099 forms may also be required, see the I-864 instructions for details."


Edited by marriedtomrg, 25 October 2010 - 09:54 AM.

marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-25 09:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax returns for interview
On the I-864 checklist, it reads:

The following items must be submitted with Form I-864:

For ALL sponsors:

A copy of your individual Federal income tax return, including W-2s for the most recent tax year, or a statementand/or evidence describing why you were not required to file. Also include a copy of each and every Form 1099,Schedule, and any other evidence of reported income. (This reads to me as a must or mandatory) You may submit this information for the most recent three taxyears , pay stub(s) from the most recent six months, and/or a letter from your employer if you believe any of these items will help you qualify. (This reads to me as optional)

Of course you can send in a tax transcript if the return is not available, and a W-2 doesn't need to accompany a tax transcript. But definitely last year's return OR transcript must be presented, or a letter explaining why you were not required to file last year's return (or any return, for that matter.)

I take issue with this every time you post that the most recent year's tax return is required. When I read the I864 instruction, it say you can just send in transcripts. It makes no mention of the tax return requirement. Even when you fill out the form, it says "required photocopy or transcript." I'm not trying to be argumenative. I just want to know what you are basing this on.

Personally, I have all 3 years tax return and transcripts. I plan to send in both to NVC and ship copies of all to my wife so she'll have them with her during interview if the need arises.


Edited by marriedtomrg, 25 October 2010 - 09:43 AM.

marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-25 09:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed help on filling out G-325A form
Actually you only need one G-325A; one for the petitioner, one for the beneficiary.

Here's an overview, courtesy of one of our members, LotOfPatience: http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse

Hi Everyone,

I am married to a non US citizen living outside US. I(USC) am going to sponsor my husband. For filing I-130, Could anybody advise me how many g-325 forms need to be submitted? I see in USCIS it is written

Two completed and signed G-325A forms (one for you and one for your spouse).

What does this mean? Do I have to submit two filled g-325a forms for me and two g-325a forms for my husband(total 2+2 = 4)? OR Do I have to submit four filled g-325a forms for me and four g-325a forms for my husband(total 4+4 = 8)?

Thanks for your help!
Sesa


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-23 13:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo I need to put my Alien number if I became a citizen?
OP is the petitioner, just became a US citizen. Filing I-130 and I-485 for spouse.

The I-130 is initiated by the petitioner...on section B, question number 13, you indicate that you received US citizenship through naturalization (tick the box) then write your certificate number, date and place of issue.

Not sure how to answer you on the G-325A. The I-485 contains information about the non-US citizen spouse. The only time you are mentioned is in Part 3B.

In neither the I-485 nor the G-325A, there is no provision for the citizenship/naturalization number...

If I were to guess, you still write your A-number in the spaces provided, and USCIS will tie them in with your naturalization certificate (a copy of which you will attach to your I-130).

I don't quite understand??? If you are filling out 130, 485 and 325a how can you be a citizen. You have to be living in the US for 3 years before you can become a citizen. Pretty sure I read that right. And yes if forms ask for Alien number then you put it in from your visa that you have.


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-25 08:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresanother I-130 question
Present employment of the Beneficiary (if applicable)

yet another question if you will indulge me.... on the I-130 #15... just below some questions about the beneficiary, they ask for present employment ...... are they referring to the employment of the petitioner or the beneficiary?

I hope someday I can help answer as many questions as I have asked ... but for now this newbie appreciates all your help ... thanks again in advance


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-25 19:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDifferences in K-1 versus K-3??
Better for your brother-in-law to consider the CR1 path for his wife. Here's an overview from one of my buddies, LotOfPatience: http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse

His wife would not need to adjust status anymore or apply for employment authorization or apply for advance parole; when she arrives in the U.S. she will be eligible for a conditional green card immediately and be able to work or go back to school without any down time.

Given it's a little longer process, but the advantages for her transition into the U.S. will be worth it.

I have a guy who I introduced to my sister in law from Vietnam. My wife is already here. I filed for a K-1 visa for her. My now brother in law will have to file a K-3 or CR1 for his wife, but what I need to know is what is different about the initial packet that we send in? I'm familiar with the K-1 but not so much the K-3. From what I have read and the guide on here, it is pretty much the same for both other than the forms you send in. Thank you for your advice and time.


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-25 19:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmariage certificate
Of course. You can order it from NSO or through online services like eCensus.gov or NSO Helpline Plus.

hi! is it possible to get more than 1 certified copy of marriage cert from NSO?


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-25 20:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmariage certificate
If the petitioner mails the packet via US Postal Service, it's 2 to 3 days, quicker (but more expensive) if the petitioner uses Express Mail or Courier). Personally, US Postal Service with Delivery Confirmation is just as reliable as courier or express mail.

The Chicago lockbox is only a drop off point, someone from USCIS has to pick it up at that location. From there, wait a minimum of a week for the receipt notice, commonly known as the NOA1.

Yes, you can visit, BUT you have to demonstrate strong ties to the Philippines.

You may want to update your profile and your timeline so that other fellow Filipino VJ members can help.

Thank you for your reply.After submitting the I-130 packet, how long does the Chicago lockbox receive it? I'm still able to go to US for a visit using my tourist visa while my paper is on process right?


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-25 10:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmariage certificate
You only need a photocopy of the marriage certificate (the one duly recorded at the local civil registry)...a photocopy of the NSO certificate would be better, but if it is not available yet, that's fine. :)

Just make sure the NSO copy will be available later in the NVC process.

Good day! I just want to ask about applying for I-130, do I need to submit a certified copy of the marriage certificate of just a copy is enough.

Thank you.


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-25 09:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresplease help. very new in this site.please
In the chat world, using CAPS LOCK is like shouting at someone...so please don't do that. :-)

Don't worry too much about evidence...chat logs, e-mails, greeting cards and proof of phone calls are just some evidence you can present. You can also present sworn affidavits (signed and notarized) from people who know both of you and of your relationship, pictures, proof that your soon-to-be wife was in the Philippines several times (plane tickets, hotel bookings, boarding passes), if you have joint bank accounts or proof that one or the other has been sending money is also proof...

You both should study the VisaJourney Guides (http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide1) and the EZ Pocket Guide for spouses my buddy Loto prepared here (http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse)

Read the stuff first then come back with questions specific to your case. Good luck with your journey!

As for Yahoo, I suggest you set your YM to save your chats from now on. Click on Messenger, then Preferences, then click on Archive. Select Yes, save all of my messages, then click on OK. So that every time you chat with your wife, it is saved. If you want to view and print the Archive, click on View Archive. Best that you print out chats that are spaced apart to show different days and times.

One other proof I showed were a bunch of PLDT Budget Cards I bought to call my husband while we were apart. we also invested in magicJack, which allowed me to call my husband using my PC with broadband connection. I was assigned a local US number and calling him in the US was basically free, because it was recognized as a local call. Unlike Skype, you can't download a call record, but you CAN copy and paste a screen capture of MagicJack onto a blank document and print that as a call log...a little time consuming, yes, but magicJack did wonders to help keep our sanity during the time we spent apart.

Hope this helps.
marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-25 15:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Is LingChe NVC Shortcut?
I have and it works :) The previous poster is right though, you are already applying through DCF, and that in itself is already a major break! :)

I saw someone on the forum mention the Lingche NVC shortcut and read about it on Wiki.

From the sound of the wiki article it seems like a way to speed up the process, but confused why it would be quicker.

Anyone tried this before?


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-09-21 08:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmedical check-up & visa
The medical exam is 2 days minimum. 3 days if any of you are required to have a TB skin test. I believe test results are forwarded the following week, provided there are no other delays in your medical exam. For your sake and sanity, you may want to get it done sooner than later...so in case something happens, there is time to address it.

Now if you all are very confident that the medical results will turn up nothing, getting the medical done at least 2 weeks before the interview would be ideal.

Visas are delivered up to 10 business days via Air21, for applicants based outside of Metro Manila.

hello to all VJ members!
I need some information on how many days would it take for the medical check up to get done at St.Luke Medical Center Extension and when we can get the test result?I just received an email from Visa Center about the scheduled interview of my kids(15&17)and it was on the 8th(Wednesday) of December.I am planning to have their medical check up on the 6th(Monday)coz our place is in Mindanao..want the med check up and interview in same week.Another question is how long will the visa be delivered after the interview?thanks!


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-11-08 20:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew Fee for I-130 Pkg. ????
If you will go through visa processing on or after November 23, then yes you will pay the new fee.

If we have not received visa by this date will we be required to pay the increased fee at the interview?


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-11-09 14:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresrfe for Affidavit of support..
The I-864 on the USCIS site is dated 10-31-2010. They haven't updated it yet.
marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-11-14 14:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions on all forms for CR1. please help, im new here

I and my fiancee is 100 percent sure to get marry this february. so instead of going to k1, we opt to go for CR1 since we want to get marry here in the philippines.. btw, I am the Beneficiary.. i have some few questions regarding the forms for CR1 as i and my fiancee where skimming all the forms..here are the questions..

i-130 form questions

1. assuming i and my fiancee got married. in filing the i130 form., on part B. Information about you ( USC) is she gonna use her last name when she was still
single? or my family name? for example, her single name is Jane Smith. then we got married. my name is John Dough. when filling up the form,
is she gonna use Jane Smith or Jane Dough?

I put my married name on our I-130 and G-325A. Whether or not she intends to take your family name after you are married is up to her/both of you. Whatever family name she decides to keep or take, stick with it and make sure it is reflected on all your official documents.


2. under the part b8. date and place of marriage, : there not much enough space for the place of marriage. unfrotunately , the address where we plan to
get marry is very long. what should i do?


You can either:

- create a Word document (make sure your name is at the top of the sheet and which form it will be attached to) and type the information there.
OR
- type the information that fits in the spaces provided, print the form then handwrite the rest of the information (yes, that's allowed)


3. under part c.19. phone number : is it ok to put none? coz we really dont have a telephone. we make use of our cellphone most of the time.

Type your mobile number.


g325a form

1. the space for Place of Marriage is too short.. the address where we plan to get marry is too long. what should I do.?

See my answer above in #2.


DS-230 part 1.

1 if the address I put on number 10 ( permanent address in the US where you intend to live) is the same. should i still put that on the number 11 ( address in
the US where you want your Permanent Resident Card mailed) or just leave it blank or put the word ( the same with number 10?)


Type Same address as #10.

2. under numbr 22. current address of father of the USC, should i still fill it up even if he died 10 years ago? or just put N/A then put the year of death on number 23?


Type Deceased, then leave the year blank...I don't think the form will allow you to type N/A. You can handwrite N/A later.

3. under number 32. in what occupation do you intend to work in the US, am i just allowed to put one possible occupation? what If I am a Nurse, and also a Physical therapist and an Accountant? can i put multiple possible occupations? im bothered because the sentence is singlular in nature ( occupation, not occupations.lol)


Doesn't matter. Either pick one or type them all separated with forward slashes. /

4. under number 33. list below all educational institution attented, should i start to fill up the latest? or the first as in my elementary ? and what if,
the spaces are not enough, I can only see four lines for the educational institutions. mine is 6. what should I do?


Start with the most recent education (university/college). Then see my answer above in #2.

5. under number 35. list dates of all previous visits to or residence in the US, ( if never, write never) .my question is, which space will i write the
word never?. please help


Just type Never in the first box.

choice of address and agent.

who should fill this up? me, the beneficiary or my soon to be wife who is the USC?


You. You may specify your wife as your choice of agent.

looking forward to your response.. thank you...


Edited by marriedtomrg, 15 November 2010 - 05:23 PM.

marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-11-15 17:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOther ways to pay for I-130 processing fee
Checks and money orders are the accepted forms of payment. It doesn't have to be a personal check...it could be a certified check from the bank (in the Philippines we call them Manager's Checks...I think around here they call them bank drafts? not sure...). There's a fee you have to pay the bank so they will issue a check for you to attach to the I-130.

Hope that helps.

(Of course they will take the funds out of your account.)

I am a US citizen and just got married to a Romanian citizen, and we are still in Romania. I see that when I submit the I-130 form, I am instructed to also send a check or money order. However, I don't use personal checks, and don't have access to my bank in order to send a money order. My first instinct was just to wait until I get back to the States, but was curious if there was another, electronic way, to pay the fee. I only send checks electronically via my bank's website. Thanks in advance for any advice.


Edited by marriedtomrg, 14 October 2010 - 07:16 AM.

marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-10-14 07:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfiled 1-130 for spouse and child
They will be handled at the same time.

Once your wife's I-130 is approved, the child's I-130 is approved.

]Mailed I-130's for spouse and child on Nov. 10, 2010....received return receipt in mail (not sure what date) no NOA1 yet... It says on the G-1145 that they will notify within 24 hours of receipt????will these petitions be looked at simultaneously? Can I assume that the timelines will be the same??


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-11-23 08:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Questions in Manila, Philippines
Hi there. My interview was in October 2009 but this review should be helpful: Rick and Kaye's timeline scroll down to our Consulate Interview review.

To Anyone:


My wife has her interview two weeks from now in Manila, Philippines. If anyone has recently interviewed at the Embassy could they please let us know what are some examples of the questions and the demeanor of the interviewers? We would greatly appreciate your input.

God Bless All in Jesus Name..

Dan


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-11-22 17:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresreconized marriage/Philippines????
Did she initiate the previous divorce or did her ex-husband initiate it?

Does this make sence,or is this correct?.....My wife and I married in the Philippines,but apparently,they were not notified of my wifes previous divorce"it was not recognized"...does this make our marriage null???????and if so,do i go for fiancee visa?????GRRRR,please help!




marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-11-20 17:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust filed Income tax return...we are married since November 2009.....PLEASE HELP ME ON WHAT THE IRS JUST HAVE TOLD MY HUSBAND!!!
You need an SSN before your spouse can add you onto his tax return.

If you wish to be included as his beneficiary, then you need to submit an application for an ITIN (just as Loto mentioned) along with his tax return, so he may qualify for a refund.

My husband filed his Income tax return almost 2 weeks ago for the year 2009....his always on a short tour overseas thats why just filed his tax return...Our case is already at the NVC...My husband called the IRS to follow up and know the status of his tax return and a guy from there told him that his tax return might get rejected since he didnt put and i don't have the SSN....he told the guy from IRS that im here in the Philippines and processing my visa,and yet the guy told him that i have to get my SSN first...does anyone experienced this?my case is CR1 petition...Help me please fellas...should we call again and verify what the guy from IRS said...... :help:


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-11-29 18:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInconsistent use of beneficiary's middle name
Posted Image

I agree but carry it further...whether you use the name or not the forms (G-325A and I-130) have places to list other names and you must list the name there. To do otherwise could raise a flag that either the paperwork was not filled out correctly or possibly something is trying to be hidden.


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-11-30 13:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInconsistent use of beneficiary's middle name
Even if he isn't using it, if his middle name appears on his birth certificate, it should have been mentioned in his G-325A (Other Names)

Hi everybody, my husband (the beneficiary) has a middle name, but he never uses it and doesn't put it on any forms he fills out anymore. So far, nothing I have sent to USCIS has his middle name on it, but it IS on his birth certificate, which he just received in the mail.

So, his middle name is NOT on the following forms/documents:
- I-130 petition
- G-325A
- his passport
- our marriage certificate
- anything else I have sent to USCIS

But it IS on:
- his birth certificate

We're not sure yet if it will be on his police certificate, as we haven't received it.

Does anyone know if this will be a problem? Any advice on how I should deal with this moving forward? Should I start putting his middle name on everything? Should I send a letter to USCIS? I know that he hates his middle name and doesn't like to use it (and would prefer to not have it on his green card), but obviously I don't want to raise any questions or slow down our case in any way. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-11-30 13:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresit takes how long if im going to patition my brother in the Philippines.
If you are a green card holder, you are ineligible to petition your brother. You have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible.

Read this >>> Petitioning Procedures: Bringing a Sibling to Live in the United States

hello guys i would like to ask how many years of waiting to file a petition for my brother in the Philippines.and how much it cost us?please give me info. about this...thank you


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-12-05 22:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs 2 months old baby needs a visa?
Is the baby's dad an American? If yes, then you have to undergo Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), so that the baby can be eligible for a US passport (therefore, no visa required).

Otherwise, the baby will need a Philippine passport to travel, and a visa to enter the US.

Hi, i have a 2 months old baby. her dad is a from US, Is she needs a visa to get out from the Philippines?


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-12-08 19:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHealth insurance , car insurance , and other insurances
That's a question for the insurance companies.

My husband and I were married in January 2009, but did not move to the US till October 2009. When we tried to get added to his health insurance, they told us to wait for open enrollment, which is every August. If we presented them our marriage certificate within 30 days of getting married, they would have added me, even without a SSN...but the thing is we waited, because I didn't want my husband paying for insurance payments when our daughter and I could not be in the US to use the benefits.

Have your future wife ask her insurance companies what their policies/rules are for adding spouses who are still outside the US...SSN shouldn't be a requirement.

hello guys, i have a question.

we ( i and my fiancee ) are exploring all IR1/cr1 requirements. and I have some few questions. Can SHe ( US citizen) add me on her health insurance as a beneficiary if we are already married even if I am still here in the philippines and got no SSN?. how about car insurance? can she add me too even if im nt in the USA?


thanks for your reply..


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-12-07 09:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNEED HELP WE ARE STRESSED!!!!!!!
When you sent in the forms, was it by mail? If yes...did you guys write the NVC case number at the top of the forms? If not, then that may be why they're saying they never received it...you may want to just send them again, this time with the case numbers written on top so they know the package is yours.

Thay have send me a letter stating that they have still not received my DS230


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-12-11 09:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNSO Documents (help?)
Your wife can either order them online through eCensus.com.ph: https://www.ecensus....re/frmIndex.asp or through NSO Helpline Plus: http://nso.citizenservices.com.ph/

She can do this only if there are no errors on her birth certificate based on date, spelling, etc. If this is her second marriage, she cannot order her marriage certificate online either. Otherwise, she has to go to NSO to order them in person or through an authorized representative (such as a relative or friend, she would have to provide a letter of authorization and a photocopy of any valid IDs with her name and signature).

There are NSO regional offices as well. Here is the link to their directory: http://www.census.go...is_centers.html

Emigration Requirements

The only reason I ever knew about this because of one of those ads of lawer like people to help speed up the process for rediculous amounts of money... so.. how do we get NSO documentation of our marriage certificate, birth cert (I think she may actually already have an NSO birth cert)? Is there a specific office she has to go to or something? Wife is filipina in the southern part (Mindanao? I think that's the spelling) The guy on the phone suggested she gets her NSO documents before going to Manila so she doesn't make wasted trips, but might still have to stay up there for a week or two while waiting on appointment(s) or something.

Guess I'm asking at the NVC stage after sent to the embassy and she's been notified of an appointment date where she must then get her medical and go up there. I'm already preparing her for I guess the earlier stages of all those boring documents we have to fill out and helping by explaining to her what some of the stuff means, lol. Not that she needs help, but it makes me feel better to continue being active in this and all excited to get my wife over here :P But anyways, so yeah, where and how do we get all the NSO documents for her interview? and what all does she need to get them?


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-12-06 19:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShould I write case number on DS-230 form and all docs?
Best if you do so on all forms as well as supporting documents and pictures, so they can trace it to your application.

Hi Guys,

Should I write case number on DS-230 form and all docs or only on pictures?


Thanks a lot!


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-12-12 17:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureschecklist question???????
That would be ideal., so they know what you are submitting.

hi fellow visa journey members.. do i need to include
the whole checklist letter when i mail my checklist documents
??? thanks guys..


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-12-13 13:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-130, What Philippine Annulument Documents are required?
I scanned mine as a colored document, and made sure it was at least 300 DPI in resolution. (Higher is better.) If the image that the NSO stored is too dark, they usually have the notation Best Possible Image on it). As long as they can read it, even it it means inspecting the document up close, it should be ok.

She needs the annotated NSO Marriage Certificate, the Annulment Decision and the Certificate of Finality.

I will soon be sending in the i-130 application(iR1)for my wife who is from the Philippines. I was wondering which documents to send with it in regards to my wife's annulment. NSO Annotated Marriage Certificate, a Local Civil Copy of Annulment from the court, both, or other? I know the US usually wants very clear and readable documents and the NSO Annotated Marriage Certificate we just got has to be turned in order to read and it is annotated over a dark portion of the document so one has to look very close to read the part which states the marriage was annulled.

Anyone who has experienced this your advice would be greatly appreciated.


No worries there, those documents are always in English. ;)

:thumbs: and very clearly defind translations of both documents.


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-12-15 16:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS package sent..but???/
I believe you will find the answer in the VJ Wiki EZ Guide for Spouses

Hey VJ`s


Hope everyone is doing good....

Can somebody tell me after I send out the AOS package i864 ..how will I know that NVC has received the package.? and how will they notify me ..through email? mail? text? phone?


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-12-16 07:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswife has her visa
1. The visa is good for 6 months; it just means she must enter the US within that time.

If you have been married 2 years or more, she gets an IR1 visa, which entitles her to a 10-year green card (she'll get it in the mail after you arrive; if she wishes to apply for US citizenship later, she may do so after 3 years); if you have been married less than 2 years, she receives a CR1 visa, which entitles her to a 2-year conditional green card (she'll get this in the mail, but she must undergo removal of conditions 90 days before her conditional status expires; they will issue her a 10-year green card after that; if she wishes to apply for US citizenship later, she may do so after her 3rd year as a permanent resident).

2. The I-94 is a long white card that is handed by flight attendants during the plane ride. No idea if she is required to fill one up (since she will be examined as a permanent resident)...but if she does, she will have to fill it up while she is in the plane and present it at the POE, and the POE officer will detach a small portion and staple it into her passport.

3. Yes, any international airport is a POE. Considering it's the holidays, prepared for longer waiting times. If you are stopping at one US international airport and taking a connecting flight, plan for 3 to 5 hours at the first POE so your wife can undergo processing with enough time.

4. She needs to secure a sticker from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) before she leaves. She can do that through CFO itself, PRISM or St. Mary's, but if I were you guys, St. Mary's (SMEF-COW) is the easiest to deal with: http://www.smef-cow-...:side&Itemid=68

At SMEF-COW, there is a Guidance and Counseling requirement she has to fulfill. Once she has her visa, she can go to SMEF-COW in the morning and attend the seminar (no appointment needed, she just has to register), and when she is done, they will issue her a blue certificate of attendance. Behind their building (within the same compound), CFO has a satellite office; she will present her blue certificate to them and pay for the CFO sticker. CFO will also issue a green certificate of completion (which looks like a large check).


Well my wife had and passed her interview the 3rd of Dec and had to wait for the medical to get over to the embassy and then shipped to CEBU. I arrived today to wait with her and low and behold she was waiting for me with the visa.
1. her visa said good for one year ...but it also says expires 30 may 2011???????? I guess I don't understand what happens. Will we renew it in May?

2. I was reading on her coming into the usa. I assume we can leave any time, maybe next week, the thread said something about a white copy and an I 94. What are these, where do we get them and can they be done even before we go to the airport?

3. Any international airport can be a POE.

4. Anything I am missing


Edited by marriedtomrg, 16 December 2010 - 08:12 AM.

marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-12-16 08:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Center Documents
USCIS forwards the file to NVC; nothing is returned to you, you jut receive the NOA2.

USCIS only requires photocopies of documents, NVC asks for originals unless they specify otherwise. What are they asking for?



I was wonder why NVC center needs all the original documents of the Beneficiary.
I sent all these to the UCSIS. When the I-130 is approved do they return the documents to me or
do they forward them to the NVC. I was looking at the IV package they want mailed and all these documents
are at the UCSIS.
Does UCSIS return anything to me??




marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-12-17 08:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp! I-130 and I-485
You don't need to file an I-485. Your spouse will enter on an IR1/CR1 visa, which will lead to a green card shortly after s/he arrives.

I'm going to mail off my I-130 soon but i want to make sure I have everything in order first before sending it off. My question is When do u file the I-485 form?


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-12-30 18:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Package Cost (UK spouse)
The new fee is $420. It used to be $355. The fee is sent in with the I-130 package to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox that corresponds to the state where the US Citizen petitioner lives.

Read: New Application and Petition Fees Go Into Effect on Nov. 23, 2010

You may want to review this too, which gives you an idea about the IR1/CR1 process and what fees are due when: EZ Guide for Spouses

Hello all! Getting my visa package together for my UK citizen husband. The US Embassy in London has a fancy checklist for the I-130 package, and says the payment is $420 when you send it all off. Is this accurate and all I need at the moment? You pay more before the interview, correct?

Thanks so much guys :)

Edit: whoops, didn't know they raised the fees! Now how much is it before the interview?


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2010-12-07 09:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForgot to file I-485 with I-130 and am filing now
In the CR1 process (I say CR1 now because you guys have been married for less than 2 years...a CR1 visa is for spouses of US citizens that leads to a conditional green card after your spouse enters the US), your spouse does not undergo medical examination until much later in the process...and the I-693 is not used at all. The I-693 is for K visa holders who are adjusting from temporary resident status to permanent resident status; the form is filled out in th US by a designated Civil Surgeon, and is placed in a sealed envelope for submission with an I-485 application (for adjustment of status).

Here is a link to the EZ Guide for Spouses courtesy of one of the members, LotOfPatience; you should be able to follow where you are in the process. I suggest you give it a read then if you have any questions, feel free to do a search here, and if you cannot find the answer, post a question in this forum.

Based on what little information you have provided, you and your wife are still waiting for the NO2 approval notice for your I-130 petition. You may want to update your profile and your timeline so that other members may be able to help you better.

Even if you are currently unemployed, you still have to fill up an I-864 form; you will need a co-sponsor whose current income meets the 125% poverty guideline requirement. There are different I-864 forms depending on the petitioner and co-sponsor's situation...am sure the other members can help sort this out with you.

If you are planning to bring the children with you, the younger child (below 18) needs a separate I-130 petition filed; in this case, you may file the petition in a stepparent-stepchild relationship since you married this child's mom while the child was under 18 years old. The older child will have to be sponsored by his mother after she arrives in the US; you cannot file a petition for the older child because s/he was already over 18 when you married his/her mom.

We have been married for about 6 months. I'm not sure what to do now. I really hate to take a risk and make things take even longer but on the other hand I'm worried about getting the process done living over here and not in the U.S. Is that even possible? I'm going to try and talk to someone at the embassy tomorrow. I'm going to need a co sponsor (my mom) if they won't accept me being unemployed but my taxes will show an income above 125%. Not enough assets to get above 125% for three years with 4 household members. (two children from another marriage, one is now over 18 but from what I read the age has to be over 21)
So filing the I-485 is out of the question? An attorney is the one that told me about this during a phone interview. Is he wrong? Maybe he was confused as to where we were living? I'm not cancelling I-130 petition filed in the U.S. until I find out the best thing to do.

Today was another surprise. We flew to Jakarta for the medical exam and vaccinations but they did not recognize the form I-693. They showed me another form that they said the embassy has them fill out regularly and it's updated June 2010 so I let them use that form since they seem to know the system. The doctor said that he can't give me a copy of what's in the sealed envelope. Only the lab results of the tests. I am told that the exam will be valid months from now for the interview and to pick up the envelope the day before it. The doctor said that even though I'm jumping ahead, there should be no problem. She had an xray and it looks clean. I'm not expecting problems unless he filled the form out wrong.

Thanks for all the help guys!


marriedtomrgFemalePhilippines2011-01-06 10:49:00