ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproval Cr1

Just a quickie,

When the interview officer says that your visa has been approved,
is he suposed to give you anytype of paper work? or just head over to the DX
Desk? as which i did, but now come to think about it, im starting to worrie
that iv done something wrong, i feel as if i should have been giving something
besides the CD....
Any Advice?

That's all that happens. You only get another paper if they can't approve that day. It will say what is lacking that needs to be sent in before they can approve you.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-08-16 18:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting a jab

Afternoon,

Booked an appointment with my nurse to get an MMR jab as none of my records or at my doctors state i've had one even though my mother is adamant. Anyway, I'm aware that the MMR requires a booster jab after four weeks from the initial jab. My query is, if I get the jab next Tuesday and I get my medical within the 4 weeks will I be made to get the booster before my medical is approved? or will the forward it to the London embassy?

Also, if my medical is after 4 weeks from the first jab should i get the booster done at my doctors?

Thanks

Dean

If four weeks have not passed since your MMR, there is a box to tick that it is not medically appropriate because of insufficient time interval. You do not have to wait and will be given a waiver. You will never need the shot for immigration purposes. If you can't scheduled the medical before four weeks pass, then you will need the second one. In that case, get it wherever cheapest.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-08-28 12:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130

Hey everyone, we not sure what to fill for question 22 on the I-130 form, I know the first part is not relevant as am not in the US, for the second part do I need to state which consulate I will be applying the visa from? Thanks

Yes. They need to know where to transfer the file after the I-130 is approved. It either goes to a local city/state office, or in your case London/United Kingdom since it appears you are residing in the UK.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-09-02 09:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 visa interview scheduled just before second wedding anniversary

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum and would really appreciate some advice regarding my CR-1 visa interview situation. It has been scheduled for the day BEFORE our 2 year wedding anniversary and I was wondering if anyone knew whether the consular officer would process it as IR-1 instead (in light of the fact that our 2 year anniversary will occur less that 24 hours after the interview)??

I seriously can't believe the interview has fallen 1 day before our anniversary (typical!!) and would rather it be processed as IR-1 in the first instance to avoid any potential problems at POE. I know if we enter the States after our second anniversary I will be entitled to the IR-1 anyway, but I've heard that it can sometimes be difficult explaining this to immigration (which I would prefer to avoid). I'm also reluctant to move the interview date as I've heard it can take months to re-schedule!

If anyone has been in a similar situation I'd really appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance :)


I did not have a similar situation, but a couple of ideas to toss out--

London should reschedule you fairly easily. Lots of people get a date assigned by NVC, then move it sooner by contacting the embassy. They are pretty accommodating. Write a letter to the IV Unit in London with details like name, case number, email, etc. Then state that you are unable to attend on [date] and would like to ask for a date the following week Sept xx-Sept xx. (Be specific and tell them dates.) Thank them profusely for considering your request. We actually asked for a K1 interview after a specific date (before they ever assigned one) and they did it. Otherwise it would have happened about 3 weeks sooner while he was visiting the US.

Immigrant Visa Unit
5 Upper Grosvenor Street
London W1A 2JB


Or discuss it with your officer. Visas are not printed same day so your visa will not be issued until the anniversay day or maybe the following couple of days.

Or suck it up and talked to POE to stamp you in as an IR1 and hope he gets the documentation correct so you get the correct greencard.

It's worth it because our removing conditions was $590 and at least 50 pages of forms and documentation submitted.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 02 September 2012 - 09:31 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-09-02 09:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTRAVEL TO THE USA WHILE FILING i-130

Hi,

I was wondering if my wife (the petioner) sends the i-130. Can I travel to the USA in the mean time to attend a friends wedding?

Thank you

Read the the answer London embassy gives here http://london.usemba...proc.html#iv038
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-08-22 22:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimelines, Experiences and advice?

I see. I've registered my business with the IRS and have a USA Tax ID number as well. All registered to this address. I have a bank account registered to this address as well as my paypal. I'm going to renew my drivers license this week and also get a voters card. Should that suffice? Because I'll do more!

Sounds like plenty
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-09-04 18:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimelines, Experiences and advice?

Hi Nich-Nick! Thanks for your response. When you say proof of US domicile, can you elaborate a little? I ask so that we may be ready in advance.

DCF people generally have to show an intent to re-establish their domicile because they have been abroad. You have already moved back so do you have a current drivers license with US address, voter registration card, apartment lease, entry stamp in your passport showing you have re-entered the US, current mail addressed to you in US, utility bills, bank statement? That will help if the domicile issue crops up to prove you now reside in the US which is actually a requirement for the I-864. Just send some things showing you have a US residence and hopefully the same address appears on all the items.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-09-04 16:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimelines, Experiences and advice?

I am self employed (I have an etsy business). My first year (2011) made $11K. This year I've made just over $22K. But since the year isn't up yet I don't have tax returns to back this up. What I do have are official etsy 'shop stats' showing my earnings and paypal statements showing the incoming money each month. Would these be acceptable or are there other ways to validate this that I am missing? I also have a co-sponsor, my mother who makes $33k. We signed the affidavits of support before my husband's flight and he's dropping them by the lawyer whilst in London. I know the fact that I have a co-sponsor that makes significantly more than me does help however since I am the partner and principle sponsor is it possible they may view my self employment as precarious or not accept my earnings for this year at all since the tax year isn't up?

While he was here he managed to make such a good impression on my family that he was given a job invitation by my cousins business that's been in operation over 22 years. Is this something that they legitimately look at and take into consideration or is it one of those things that 'doesn't hurt'?

His medical appointment is tomorrow. About how long do you think we can expect between now and the interview?

I'm gonna be honest, I might think of more questions after I post this. Thanks in advance!

Posting in this forum is getting some false answers probably due to the fact that your DCF process differs from general IR1/CR1 visa applicants.

London will schedule the interview once they have received Form DS-230-1 Part 1 and Notification of Applicant(s) Readiness, Form DS-2001, as well as the medical results from Knightsbridge. It takes 3-4 days after the medical for the results to go to the embassy. Then the wait could be a couple of weeks before they issue an interview letter. I wouldn't even think about it until medical +4 days +3 additional weeks had passed. If it happens sooner, consider it a bonus. That is also assuming your lawyer is on top of things and has already submitted the Ds2001 and DS230.

All personal documents will be taken to the interview. That includes the two I-864s with evidence. Your mother should have provided proof of her Us citizenship with her form in addition to her income proofs. Because you filed DCF, proof of domicile in the US for you may come up. What have you provided to show you currently are domiciled in the US?

Your Etsy documents will be good evidence but with self employment, you have the option to deduct many business expenses, materials, self-employment tax, and even health insurance premiums from your business income. So that $22k could be significantly reduced on your next income tax return with write-offs. That's why they really want to see a final return on self-employed so they can view the profit of the business after expenses are taken off. Right now you only have the sales you've made which isn't a completed picture. Your assets and your husbands can be considered if you have savings for example. You have to provide proof of those. As far as his future employment, the London website gives this answer:

The sponsored immigrant has been offered employment on his or her relocation to the United States; can this be taken into consideration?

While we recognize that the sponsored immigrant may be the main wage earner in the family and on his or her relocation to the United States will have employment, that job offer and salary cannot be counted toward the poverty level guidelines.


The good news is that your mother's joint sponsorship should be adequate provided she submitted a tax return, some additional proof of income, and her proof of US citizenship.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 04 September 2012 - 03:57 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-09-04 15:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIRS lost my 2010 tax return D-20 already sent

Things are finally moving along as my husband went for his medical yesterday and the necessary financials were sent off. Yesterday, after calling the IRS to order transcripts I came to find that they managed to lose my 2010 return.

When I filed them I was living in the UK. It wasn't until my husband and I retained a lawyer to begin his immigration that I found out that despite the fact that I was living in England for the last 3 years, I had to file taxes with the US. In addition it was necessary for his visa application. So we got 2009, 2010 and 2011 together and sent them off to the US Embassy's IRS dept in London in June. We sent them recorded and stalked Royal Mails website and called them incessantly to make sure they were received. When we finally got confirmation that they were received we relaxed...a little.

After the London branch of the IRS received it it was to be shipped to the IRS in America for processing. Fastforward a few months when I called them to make sure they had my new USA address on file and order some transcripts and they tell me that they've no record of receiving my 2010. When I told them that London confirmed that they'd received everything in order she was quick to say that London clearly lost it since they were the last to have it...Blame game aside--USCIS is going to be looking at my financials SOON!

We took care of this months ago to ensure we'd have everything in good order and ON TIME. His medical is done and the D-230 was just filed. What can I do? I can spend the $60 to download the e-file software and my husband sent me the pdf version of my 2010 1040 so that I can refile so that's going out next day/signed for to the IRS. What else can I do to prove I filed in good faith? All I have is 2009 and 2011. I mean it's literally all 0's anyway because that was the year that England hadn't approved my work visa yet. Any help is appreciated. Thanks :)

The I-864 requires numbers you get off three years of tax returns, but you only have to show 2011 (latest). Even if he shows the PDF of the 2010, the embassy doesn't know it wasn't filed. I don't think you have a crisis.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-09-06 15:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFeeling naked before interview
Feeling naked before interview.....

Well ain't that a purty picture :rofl:


You're going to be fine. I bet they ask why the heck are you doing this again? Glad you are well and will soon be back to H-town. (L)
(Yep, I remember your story.)
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-09-17 15:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS Package . . . .

Hey, so i was wondering what the AOS packet needs to contain? My wife cannot sponsor me, so my sister in-law and brother in-law are going to be co-sponsors, so what form does my wife need to fill out and my sister in-law? and what else needs to go with it?


Wife: I-864, tax return

In-law who makes the most money: I-864, tax return, another form of income documentation, proof of US citizenship.

If in-law doesn't make enough by himself/herself to sponsor, he/she can add his/her spouse's income in 24b of his/her form. (income from household members).

If he shows his spouse's income on 24b, then his spouse does an I-864A.
If he doesn't need his spouse's income to qualify, then nobody is listed on 24b and nobody does I-864A
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-09-17 22:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSkype Screen Caps as Photo Evidence?

I'm obsessing over every aspect. I really need to try and calm down. Each day it's different. Usually directly related to whatever horror stories I've read here :wacko: . Thanks for the info!

If the horror stories aren't an actual experience from the embassy in LONDON written by the person who interviewed (not second hand retelling version) then ignore them. It sounds like you have 70 more photos than people normally are asked for in London. Why do you need more?

Have you been living in the UK and need to show your intent to domicile in the US? DCF filer? Photos is not really the way to do that.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-09-22 11:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview on the 11th question about docs

I'm the American and my husband is from England. Our interview is on the 11th. I was married previously but divorced. Will they need my marriage certificate from my previous marriage? My ex still has that and I'm not in contact with him. I do however have my divorce decree. Do I need to order a certified copy of the marriage certificate? Thanks in advance!

Despite what the website says, I don't think either of you will need the certificate showing a previous marriage. Your marriage certificate to each other would be appropriate. The list of documents is for the person going to the interview, so no documents about the USC anyway (except the affidavit of support things). And if you are CR1, they will be sent to the NVC and will already be in the file when he gets to the embassy.

We did a K1, but the embassy list is the same for both. And it said the same thing when we were preparing. We both had been previously married and he did not need anything from prior marriage but the UK divorce decree.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-09-30 18:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmbassy marked case as a "No Show" after husband attended interview

Not really... they took everything, his medical exam paperwork, fingerprints, etc. He said they had workers replacing a door that day if that knowledge helped. I am sure they would have video tapes if needed. I finally just got through by phone by being a little (ok, A LOT) 'Aggressive" :whistle: and she was able to confirm she shows he was actually there. She said it must have been an entry error between them and the state department. She is looking in to see what she can do to help move this along quicker and will get back to me by the end of next week since the original interviewer is on vacation until Wed.

Thank you so much for the well wishes, we can use as many as we can get right now!

For what it's worth, I called DOS three days after a "tentatively" approved interview where the computers were down and they said it would be slightly delayed until they got the system restored. The DOS lady said, "It says here that he was a no-show, Honey. What happened? Why didn't he go to his interview?" So it happens where something gets ticked wrong.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-09-30 06:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax transcripts and A #

In section 25 of the I-864, which asks about tax returns should we just leave this blank as he has not filed previously or does he need to obtain his own transcripts, even though he barely made any money?

He can't get transcripts because he didn't file a tax return. The tax section will be completely blank. However, hubby will write a statement to attach with his I864 that explains why he didn't file. They want to know specifics--

I did not file a tax return in 2009-2011 because I was a full-time law student.
In 2011, my total income was $1234.56 and was below the filing threshold of $_________. (Look it up)
(Repeat for 2010 and 2009)
Sign and date.

I was previously a student on an F-1 visa and upon completion of my studies I applied for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). I obtained a SS# and and Employment Authorization Card (EAC) on which there is an A #. On the I-864, both my hubby and joint sponsor have listed my current SS# and the A# on my EAC. Is it correct to list this as my A#? Thanks in advance for your help with our case.

Check your NOA2 and make sure the A# on it matches what your sponsors report on the I-864.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-07 06:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificate

I am a British Citizen and back in 2008 i was studying in Australia for just over 2 years, and then back to travel for 9 months at the start of this year . . . . .so i know i need a police certificate for Australia, BUT do i need to get finger prints done for it as well?
because i read that in some cases finger prints are not required.

Yes. Someone was delayed this year for their visa in London because they didn't read the London instructions and did not have the proper Australian police certificate. The link to the full instructions On the London embassy website http://london.usemba...ice_certificate

the important bit--

Please note that many countries require fingerprints to process police certificates for immigration purposes (e.g, Australia, Canada, Nigeria). Police certificates completed without the required fingerprints are not valid. In these cases, applicants must not capture their own fingerprints.  View the attached PDF file for a list of UK police forces (PDF - 338kb) that offer a fingerprinting service.  .

 

And here's the list of police stations in the UK who can do your fingerprints for sending off to Australia. Find one near you. http://photos.state....lice_forces.pdf

Edited by Nich-Nick, 09 October 2012 - 03:52 PM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-10-09 15:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI-134 & Tax Returns?

All USA EMBASSY recommends that at least you have 1.Tax transcripts, 4 pay stubs or W2.

My answer to the OP is that LONDON, where he will interview, does NOT require a tax return or transcript. There isn't any one specific item you MUST have for London as long as you have at least one proof of sufficient income. My answer does not apply except to LONDON.


At this point in the K1 Journey, people need to know what is accepted at the embassy where they will interview. Each has their own methods. The Foreign Affairs Manual stating the law on a fiancé visa/interview only says the interviewing officer must be convinced the interviewee will not become a public charge. They don't lay out any details. Some embassies are more easily convinced than others. Consult with people who went through the same embassy to know how picky yours is.



Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2014-09-26 12:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI-134 & Tax Returns?
London will gladly approve your I -134 with the employer letter. They have never required the tax return or transcript.

I wrote the guide. A tax transcript is suggested in the list as something you can sort out early while you wait for your case to get from service center to NVC to London. It doesn't get "old" until the next April 15, so could be taken care of months before NOA2 even. A tax transcript is such an easy proof without bothering the boss to write a letter. That's really the only reason it may appear to be recommended in the London guide...for an easy proof, not because it is required by London.

Now that transcripts can be printed at home, it is even easier to provide one. But with an employer letter and pay stubs, you already have two proofs. A third or fourth or fifth proof will not get you more approved than just an employer letter alone would. London does not make a big deal of it and the interviewer probably will glance at your employer letter and never discuss the I-134 with you if the income is sufficient.




Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2014-09-26 07:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsP.O Box and USPS?

Thanks Nich-Nick. I'm sure I'll do that a lot in this process... ;-) :-p


I've had several ebay purchases the last few weeks and the tracking has said some weird things. Like arrived at [town] and the zip is for another town. And USPS facility can mean the big sorting place as opposed to post office. And if you happened to have sent it to be signed for, well that will says things that will confuse you like it can't be delivered. Because a PO box can't sign it's name. So tomorrow when somebody comes to the box to get the mail, the person can sign. I think it is fine and the messages are a little messed up.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2014-10-06 23:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsP.O Box and USPS?
Worrying over nothing.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2014-10-06 21:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCEAC Status

Hi Guys,
 
As you know I had my visa approved on the 6th of October. I heard that the CEAC status was supposed to change from 'Ready' to 'Administrative Processing' once it has been approved however mine is stuck on ready. Should I have any cause for concern?
 
Kind regards,
 
Adam






The interview was only two days ago. It doesn't process that quickly in London. Maybe on Thursday something will happen. Perfectly normal at this point.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2014-10-08 20:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI passed... where do I write my interview review? London.
Or click on timeline on the left pane of your post.
Find "Submit Review" down by Approved

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2014-10-14 07:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsG325a question about working abroad
Why don't you list it as volunteer religious worker. Then they at least know what you were doing in that timeframe.
Full address is what it says, so I think street address is appropriate, but they likely wouldn't fault you if you put church name and town/country since it will be quite long probably. They don't mail anything to the places. It is just to gather data about what you've been up to and where.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2014-10-14 13:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDS160 question
The prescribed plan is to wait until London has your file and is ready for you before jumping into the next step...medical or applying for the visa. Some do it early. Your choice if you want to bend the rules or not.

Have you done everything else? Police certificate, immunizations, I-134 in hand from fiancé, passport photos. Those things should be in place to be prepared.


Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2014-10-14 21:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThrowaway Ticketing?

When you cancel the return can you usually get a refund?


No

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2014-10-15 21:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThrowaway Ticketing?
POE does not care about your ticket. Do what Lainie said.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2014-10-15 19:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExtending our CR1 Visa!!
London website has this in the immigrant visa FAQs.

What if I cannot travel during the validity period of the immigrant visa?
You should return the unused visa to the Immigrant Visa Branch with a
letter explaining why you were unable to travel. Depending on the
reasons for you not using the visa, it may be possible to re-issue you
with a new visa on payment of new visa processing fees.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-02-27 23:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescan i contact them to see if my i130 arrived?
The dates you're seeing are maybe the date printed on the NOA1 receipt. But it will take time to get to you to know what date they put on your receipt.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 03 March 2011 - 09:01 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-03-03 09:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificates: Mission Impossible?

Thanks for your reply. I like the idea of the printout since what disqualifies a person and what does not disqualify a person is largly up to the discression of the person interviewing you. Thanks so much!

I've known London to be flexible in the past. One person (foreign student in the UK) could not get his passport back from the UK Home Office where he had to send it to extend his UK student visa. They had it for 7-8 months. The guy had to keep rescheduling the interview because he had no passport, which is essential. Eventually London let him interview without the passport, with the visa pending until he could get his passport from UKHO.

Another friend, a UK citizen since infancy, born in India, did not have her birth certificate because her parents wouldn't give it to her. She tried everything to get another and failed at all the things they say on the UK website that can substitute. The interviewer approved her K1 without it after she showed all the correspondence showing her attempts and the restraining order she had against her father.

You will probably find them understanding of your situation also, especially with a clean 10 year UK history.
Here's my London K1 document if you haven't seen it already. Might help. https://docs.google....CL_KmL4P&pli=1#
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-03-08 13:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificates: Mission Impossible?
Scroll down the UK document page to police certificates. http://london.usemba..._documents.html

You'll see a link saying "certain countries are unavailable". Follow that link and pick Brazil. Down the page talks about Brazillian Police certificates. It does mention giving power of attorney to someone in Brazil. Not sure if that helps you, but a printout might encourage the interviewing officer to waive the police certificate since the US Dept of State says it's highly unlikely you'll get one. And the London webpage acknowledges certain countries are unavailable.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-03-08 01:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUK Police Certificate - 5 years of addresses

Hey guys.

I have a question regarding the 5 years of addresses on my application for a police certificate.


I wouldn't list the US addresses. You weren't living there. You were visiting. List places that were your real, permanent residence.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-03-10 19:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIncome Tax Goes Up when Reporting Excluded Income
A few comments to Fermat based on this thread and the other--

You buy and install TurboTax Basic (cheap one) because you don't have to keep fiddling with each scenario. You do it one way and "save as" MarriedJoint for example. Open it and change something and "save as" MarriedSeparate. Now you have two returns to look at. You can save as many versions as you want. Installed is easier to navigate. You can right click items to see where they generated from. You can view a form and edit it. I don't know if online lets you open individual forms or you just wait to the end and print them.

I looked for a post I made a year or two ago, but couldn't find the one I wanted. I found this one.

You can't compare filing jointly without the foreign income. That's not an option if you follow the tax laws. So what you need to look at and compare is:

1.) Filing Jointly with all foreign income included-- Tax = _______
2.) USC filing Married Separately/spouse filing nothing-- Tax = ______
That's your only choices now that you are married, so pick the one that has lower taxes.

So why does the foreign income have an effect on the bottom line of the joint return? If your husband has a Schedule D-Capital Gains and Losses or any qualified dividend income, then his tax isn't figured by simply looking at the tax tables. Post again if he has Capital Gains or dividends and I will explain it more. I don't want to get into it if it doesn't apply to you.

Also the way the tax code figures the tax is not by erasing the foreign income. It figures the tax on the joint income (which may put your return in a higher tax bracket.) Then it figures the tax on the foreign income by itself.
(The final tax = Tax on all income - tax on the foreign part) So your tax is figured with all the income, then they figure how much tax would be on the foreign only and take that off your tax bill....if that makes sense.


I know I explained capital gains to somebody, but I guess it was in a PM. If you have a Schedule D in your return, then your taxes are figured using the Schedule D worksheet. All of your income (yours + foreign) is considered at the top of that worksheet and it trickles down to determine your tax rather than coming from the tax tables. The fact that it starts with ALL the income plays into the bottom line. And then like you've figued out your taxes are a difference in taxation, not merely deducting the whole foreign income.

To compare, you need to do a full clean return of your income Married Filing Separately and do another filing Jointly and adding the wife details and foreign income and exclusion. It's possible you left some bit unchanged (like filing status) when you are fiddling with one return online. Remember not to put single as a comparison.

Here's a walk-through of TurboTax I posted in another thread. It was addressed to the foreigner, so substitute "your" with "wife's" in some cases, ie not dare of your birth, but wife's birth.

Here's how to navigate foreign income in Turbotax.It is found under "Less Common Income." Remember this is also for Americans who worked abroad for an American or foreign company so don't let the multi-use form confuse you.

How was the income reported to you? Statement from foreign employer
Value of employer paid goods...home, car, etc Skip all that
Was _____ a US citizen? No
Was ____ a resident alien while working outside the US? Tick YES, because to the IRS, you are a resident alien for the whole of 2010 because of the statement you wrote electing to be treated that way.
Income tax treaty? YES (you'd have to look that up, but NO won't allow the exclusion)
Ways to qualify for the foreign income exclusion? Bonafide resident
Date started living in foreign country? Probably date of your birth
Date stopped living there? Entry to US date if already here.
Skip everything trying to determine if you get to exclude your foreign home. That's for Americans assigned overseas. The rest is fairly self explanatory. Be sure to enter your foreign address and employer when asked.
Does ___ have an employment contract? NO (for Americans abroad)
Type of visa? Don't tick any of the four. You don't have a visa TO the the foreign country in this question
Does your visa limit the time you can work outside US? Tick nothing or unlimited works.

That should get you through TurboTax. Some questions are self explanatory. Proceed to finish the return and mail it to the place of filing for your location along with the statement you wrote. Make sure line 21 of the 1040 has a negative number showing your foreign income was taken off. Next year with a greencard and no foreign income, it's like any USC couple filing.


Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-03-14 11:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS Sponsers
You fill out I-864 as sponsor. Because you live in the house with mom and step-dad, you can add their incomes to your I-864 under the part for family members income. So the income on your form is the total of you + mom + s'dad. They each do an I-864A which says they give permission for you to use there income and agree to be held responsible for the immigrant too. They're evidence of income and citizenship has to be included.

OR

You fill out I-864 as sponsor.
Mom fills out I-864 and adds s'dad's income as her family member. Her I-864 total is mom + s'dad and must be enough to meet the required amount. S'dad does an I-864A giving mom permission to include his income and gives his pledge to be responsible for the immigrant. They're evidence of income and citizenship has to be included. They don't each have to make over the limit by themselves. It is the total of the household.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-03-18 09:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSupporting Evidence

How much evidence do you really need provide with your I-130? I sent pics, affidavats, passport copy, wedding invite, and a couple other things. But a lot of people seem to have added letters, IM chat logs, cards and emails. Are those more useful with the application or at the time of interview? Does it make it faster to add these items with the app?

Thank you !!


Don't save anything back for a London interview because they don't look at chats, photos, emails, or any relationship things. If you want it looked at, send it now.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-04-15 18:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUK police certificate

On the website it list 3 different options, BASIC, STANDARD and ADVANCED police check. My question is which one of these is necessary for my interview in london?


What website are you on?

This is the application and instructions for a UK police certificate.

http://www.acpo.poli...on Form v15.pdf
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-04-19 07:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes the petitoner have to write the money order?
Yes they will even if it's a personal check written by grandma. Just check the latest fees on the USCIS under "forms" and make it out exactly to "US Department of Homeland Security" as stated on the form---no abbreviations like USCIS, DHS etc.

Edited by Nich-Nick, 30 April 2011 - 11:42 AM.

Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-04-30 11:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLondon Medical & Vaccinations

I checked out the NHS (national health services) website and it looks like MMR, Td/IPV & Varicella are available. Tdap is not mentioned anywhere so i assume not available. MMR & Td are free on National Health...Varicella is free for certain high risk patients (others may have to pay). Not mentioned on the embassy website is whether Titres (blood test proving immunity) can be accepted for people who cannot get a copy of childhood vaccines or proof of having the disease already...all these would show up in specific blood tests. That would be a question for london embassy or Knightsbridge I guess...for people who are squeemish about shots (such as someone I married =)


You do know that blood is drawn from the vein at the elbow with a NEEDLE to do the titre? It probably stings longer to draw out the blood than getting a shot. Tell her to put on her big girl knickers and get the MMR and Td jab and be done with it. Knightsbridge takes your word for it if you say you had chickenpox. No documentation needed.

My husband actually got the baby version (DTP) from his GP. Tdap is a teen/adult version with a full dose of T and lesser doses of d and p. Notice the capital and lowercase letters mean BIG DOSE/small dose. Adults were showing adverse reactions to the DTP, so Tdap was developed in the US.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-03 09:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLondon Medical & Vaccinations

I worked it out according to the vaccine schedule and it looks like ages 18-64yrs only require proof of MMR & Tdap (adacel). Children of course need a whole bunch & over 65 also need a flu shot. Does anyone know if all medical records from GP have to be brought to Knightsbridge doc?


You do not have to bring any records from your GP. They can write up a shot list or make a printout. If you have an ongoing or have had a serious medical condition, they would like a summary statement from your GP, not a pile of your records to sort through.

Age 19 and older
  • Td or Tdap or DT or DTP or DTaP (boosted in the last 10 years)
  • MMR
  • Varicella (or a history of having chickenpox)

Adacel (Tdap) may not be available in the UK, so the others are accepted by USCIS for Diptheria/Tetanus/Pertussis. Td is a booster with Tetanus/Diptheria if you had DTP as a baby. Remember your GP may disagree with the list and say you don't need something, but it's a US list and you must comply with US standards. They could be different from UK standard practice. Some people get taken care of by their GP and others have had problems with their GP refusing to administer certain shots.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-02 17:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLondon Medical & Vaccinations
The medical is a very simple exam. The only thing you might need to do before is if you have a condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer,heart disease, depression...or anything that requires regular prescription medication or treatment. The Knightsbridge doctor has been known to request information from your personal doctor further explaining your condition and medications taken. If you took care of getting a letter/statement from your GP before the medical, it would save the delay of getting it after.

Medical info from the embassy

http://london.usemba...xamination.html

Also see the further information link in the right column of that page. Good information to answer your questions.
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-02 10:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSpouse added to lease- he isn't here to sign?
I'm not giving advice here; it's just a funny story this made me think of~~

I have a friend whose been married around 35 years. She's been a housewife most of that time and takes care of all the bills, taxes, family paperwork, etc. She told me once "I've been signing Joe's name for so long that if he ever actually signed something himself they would think it was forgery." :)
Nich-NickNot TellingUnited Kingdom2011-05-08 19:42:00