ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsREVOCATION

Ok no need to get hyper here, we are saying what was told to us by DOS,I was told that we weren't denied,that its recommendation for revocation, its not yet even revoked,The guy at DOS told me that being denied and revoked is two different things.I checked and checked the definition of revocation,


Just to play the semantics game here:

The Department of State (in the form of the consular officer at the embassy) rejected the visa application. And based on their findings at the visa interview, they are further recommending that USCIS withdraw the approved petition that established a qualifying relationship. USCIS will make the final decision on whether or not to revoke the petition, but given that the Department of State is recommending it, you would have to make a very compelling case to prevent that from happening.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-21 04:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI-134 form expires 12/31/2013

Long story short: don't worry about it.


GaijinsanMaleJapan2013-11-22 00:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProving a Bona Fide relationship, and how to pay filing fees

My Japanese-national spouse and I currently both live in Japan.

Is this acceptable proof of our "bona fide" relationship?

A document from the city office in Japan (also translated into English) that shows the address he has on file as his "official" address in Japan is the same as my document from the city office that shows my "official" address in Japan.


Hi Rebecca. Let me share my experience, but with the caveat that it may not be of much/any use to you as (a) I filed the I-130 in Tokyo back when DCF was still available in Japan and (b) we have been married for nearly 10 years.

With my petition, I presented nothing more than my wife's koseki (and an English translation), which also reflects our marriage. I also had to submit our sons' CRBAs, but that was a specifically requested item (birth certificates for all of the beneficiary's children) rather than as proof of a bona fide marriage per se. The gentlemen at the embassy did ask a few perfunctory questions about our marriage and did ask where my wife was (she didn't come along that day, as she was at home watching our little one). In any case, there was no problem at all. Again, however, since USCIS will be looking at this rather than someone at the Tokyo embassy, your experience could be quite different.

Regarding forms of proof of a bona fide marriage, I do understand how this is not the easiest thing in Japan with its lack of joint bank accounts and (Japanese) joint tax returns. Some suggestions:

- Copies of your health insurance cards if one of you is insured as the other's dependent
- Mobile telephone bill from Docomo, Softbank, AU if both of your numbers are on the same bill
- Copy of New Year's card (did you and your husband send out nengajo this year?)
- Did you file a joint US tax return with your husband listed as a nonresident alien spouse?

The ward/city office document you describe would certainly not hurt.

Also, I have to pay the $420 filing fee, but I have no idea how to do it from Japan, as the check needs to be drawn on a US bank. Can I get an international money order from the post office in Japan? The only other idea I have is to have my father send me a personal check made out to USCIS, and then send it on, but that will cause me significant delay.


Sorry, not sure. With DCF I just paid at the embassy...

Edited by Gaijinsan, 07 January 2012 - 07:45 AM.

GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-01-07 07:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 approved, now what?

Ah, thanks for the info. Will I have to submit 3 years of tax returns, or just 1? My parents as the joint sponsors I believe have to submit 3 years.


Only one year is now required, but I strongly suggest that you go ahead and get copies/transcripts for the other 2 years for yourself and your parents, just in case they later request them.

If you're already going to the trouble of requesting tax transcripts, it's not that much harder to get the other 2 years at the same time.

For my wife's interview next week, we'll have a photocopy of our 2011 return (we just completed it about a week ago) and I already had the 3 previous transcripts (2008-2010). We'll take 2009, 2010, 2011 to the embassy just in case they want any of the older ones. The process is a little different for us since we filed DCF and there was no NVC involved in the I-864.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-08 20:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 approved, now what?

If my parents agree to sponsor, do I need to submit *MY* tax returns as well, or are just my parents sufficient?


You must be a sponsor and you will have to submit your most recent tax return (or tax transcript), or a statement explaining why you were not required to file. If your income is insufficient, then your parents will be required as joint sponsors (and based on what you wrote you have already decided to do this -- so they will also need the tax documentation).

Even if you don't have the income to qualify by yourself, as the petitioner you must be a sponsor. The only question is whether or not you are the only sponsor.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-08 07:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInstructions for filing taxes with spouse outside of the country

Hello,

Does she have to sign the W-7 in English, or is her native language acceptable?


One's signature is whatever it is. (Mine just looks like some kind of lines & scribbling...)

My wife always signs English language documents in Japanese, which also matches her passport. Never had a problem. Plus, makes it a lot harder for some random person to try to forge. :)
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-14 01:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 approved in just one week!?

I'm military stationed in Japan. I mailed in a I-130 petition on 26 January to Chicago for my wife. I got the e-notification on 01 Febuary saying they had received our application and that it was being forwarded to the California Processing Center.

Yesterday (15 Febuary) I checked the status of our petition online using the receipt number. The status was said the I-130 had already been approved and that the approval form had been mailed on February 8th!

The normal processing time for an I-130 is 5 months, so since the website said our application was approved in just one week, my wife and I were naturally both surprised and suspicious. I did not request our case to be expedited.

Has anyone heard of this? Is it possible we were emailed the wrong receipt number in the e-notification?


It's the new normal. But try not to mention it too much or some of the petitioners living in the US may bite your head off :)

Are you stationed in Okinawa? If so you'll eventually go through the Naha consulate. Otherwise, the embassy in Tokyo.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-17 02:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview in 5 days,... Possible red flags

My spouses interview is in 5 days, just I think like everyone a little worried. We (well more me) have some red flags that I'm just trying to look at and say, how will they be seen?


Just make sure your wife knows the whole story, details and all. They may try asking her questions like "Did you know your husband was married to someone else when you met?" etc.

Nothing you describes in any way presents an issue in getting the visa, but it may make the consular officer press harder in the interview to make sure everything is on the up-and-up.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-19 03:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGC and SSN

How long does it typically take for GC and SSN to arrive?


When my wife got her passport back with the visa, the embassy included a letter with the answers to every one of your questions -- and in our case, in English, Japanese, Spanish, and Portugese no less.

Was your wife given something like this?
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-20 03:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDomicile requirements

If I try to prove that I have been living abroad temporarily, I have the following documents:
1. 2 bank accounts (can provide statements)
2. A credit card (can provide statements)
3. My valid US Drivers License
4. A car title in my name
5. Tax returns I have filed in the US for all of the years I have been abroad
6. Mail received at a US address (my parents' address)


Certainly based on the guidance this should be sufficient, and then some.

Any thoughts on what to do in my case? We will be going to an interview at the Santiago, Chile Embassy, and I haven't seen anything on how they deal with that issue here.


Additional evidence at the interview that shows that you are indeed winding down your ties in Chile might be helpful. (Job resignation letter, lease termination letter, moving estimate, etc.) It certainly wouldn't hurt to bring that along.


My AOS was approved in 2 days at NVC and I assume it will not be a problem at the interview (all reviews of Tokyo have said it's very lax concerning domicile - basically you just have to say that you are moving home together...other consulates maybe not so much).


I don't know how much NVC exmaines the domicile issue (never had to deal with them, fortunately), but I suspect they just leave that area largely to the consular officer to decide in totality with the whole situation.

You're right, Tokyo is very easy (at least in our case it was). Santiago, based on a cursory glance at reviews posted here, seems like it will also be easy (no one mentioned domicile at all in 50 reviews I did a quick search in). I think if the OP has the above there will be no problem. In the worst case, they'll have to supply some additional evidence, so it's not a one-strike-and-you're-out kind of deal.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-18 04:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 address question

I am at the second stage Of the visa application for my wife. I have a question about the affidavit of support form. I am currently living in Japan and am planning to go back to the states this May. I want to know which addresses I should use for mailing and place of residence. Should I put my intended US address as Place of Residence and my Japanese address as mailing address?


Just to relay our recent experience, I listed our Japanese address as the mailing address, left Place of Residence blank (= not same as mailing address), and USA as County of Domicile. No problems at all.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-20 21:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForm I-485 - I am lost!

Is there any option that I could visit him in US while we wait for papers? I don;t mean to be there all the time, just to be able to go.

I read that K3 is useful for that case and that it is of no extra cost, if your papers are in process.

Please, share your opinion on this.


The K-3 visa is not/was not intended for what you are describing; a B-2 tourist visa is (I assume you have only a Georgian passport and are thus ineligible for travel under the VWP). You can try applying for one; however, the fact you have the U.S. citizen spouse will work against you in establishing that your travel under the B-2 visa will be only temporary.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-21 02:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAdjusting Status once I-130 FILED?

But she could still stay in the US to wait out the process and then return to Canada for the interview, am I correct?


Your wife really does have a B-2 visa and was admitted under it, rather than VWP?
They should have stamped her passport with exactly the status she was admitted under, and sometimes will have the exact date stamped/written in. Unfortunately, no date in this case, but the admitted class should be noted in the stamp.

Edited by Gaijinsan, 21 February 2012 - 02:31 AM.

GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-21 02:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 - 2011 taxes not filed yet

Hi guys,

I have not filed my 2011 taxes yet. Will have an 6-month extension so that I can file it when my spouse is here. Question is, can I submit my 2008-2010 tax transcripts as the last 3 years and mention in the cover letter that I have not yet filed 2011 taxes? I do have W2's and 1099 for 2011, so should I just submit that?

Please advise.
Thanks!


Completely fine. If you really are worried about it, also attach a photocopy of your filing extension (Form 4868). Whatever puts your mind at ease :)

As an aside - Please note that if you really want to submit a tax transcript instead of just a photocopy of your return, you may have to wait a couple of months after you've filed.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-21 02:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support - submitting tax returns, lived abroad

US citizens and legal permanent residents are taxed on their worldwide income. Even if they don't have any US income, they are required to report and pay taxes on their earnings outside the US. As Hillary has noted, they can also take advantage of the Foreign Income Tax Credit (FITC). The FITC usually eliminates any US tax liability if the tax payer has income less than $90,000.


It is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion which (for 2011) allows a US citizen or resident alien to exclude up to $92,900 of earned (employment) income from US taxes. If the taxpayer has foreign income beyond that amount, it may be possible to use the Foreign Tax Credit to offset further tax liability. So even if someone had income of, say, $200,000, it is still quite possible (and very likely in a place like the UK) that someone would still not have to pay any additional US income taxes on that income.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-21 20:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresneed quick answer plssss!!!!

She is making $36,000 a year and his husband is making $15,000 a year..so they fill up the i864 and the i864a..they just did to sign forms cuz they are joint taxes but my real sponsor would be the wife cuz she makes more money than the husband..do you think its fine?


Yes.

She is making $36,000 a year and his husband is making $15,000 a year..so they fill up the i864 and the i864a..they just did to sign forms cuz they are joint taxes but my real sponsor would be the wife cuz she makes more money than the husband..do you think its fine?


No.

She is making $36,000 a year and his husband is making $15,000 a year..so they fill up the i864 and the i864a..they just did to sign forms cuz they are joint taxes but my real sponsor would be the wife cuz she makes more money than the husband..do you think its fine?


Maybe.


Sorry, I couldn't resist.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-22 06:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Visa after K-1 denied

You will have to overcome the same reasons that your K1 was denied. If they thought the fiancee visa was for immigration purposes then they most likely will think the same about the marriage. Lots or relationship proof will be necessary.


Exactly... what has changed that would lead them to believe that your marriage is not for the purpose of immigration?
I suggest that a legal consultation is in order.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-18 22:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew to this. Do we really need a lawyer??
In my opinion, the following situations call for the use of a lawyer, or at least a consultation with a lawyer at the outset of the process:

1. Visa applicant with a previous overstay.
2. Visa applicant with a criminal history.
3. Anyone attempting AOS from VWP entry.
4. Anyone who with acute anxiety problems (You probably don't actually need the lawyer, but it will put your mind at ease. Better than being a nervous wreck for months on end.)
5. Anyone congenitally poor at following directions.
6. Anyone going through other circumstances at the same time which are particularly stressful or trying.

I think #6 is one that gets overlooked a lot of the time. You often see posters on here who are dealing with things like a death in the family, or an unexpected baby on the way, or whatever, and they come across as being in no condition to tackle the process. This is understandable. They probably don't need the lawyer, but it might not be a bad idea.

Of course, if you do use a lawyer, make sure it is a good one. If you don't like the lawyer you met with, talk to someone else.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-25 03:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 Domicile for Petitoner

I am the petitioner for my husband but we both currently live in the UK. I moved away from the USA 5 years ago and established residency in the UK. I have filed Tax returns from abroad for the last 3 years with my mother's address in the USA listed as well as have bank statements and a drivers license for the USA. THis is all the supporting documents I have.


I think you'll probably be fine on the domicile issue, but I am curious as to why you would have listed your mother's address on your tax return? Why not list your foreign address? It is, after all, your true address. (Filing with a US address may have that state trying to come after you for a state income tax return, and if your "home" state is anything like mine, there are NO provisions for foreign income exclusion or foreign tax credits.)
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-19 08:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-130 intended address?

So you suggest putting a Japanese address on #18 "Address in the United States where your relative intends to live"? Surely I'm misinterpreting your advice.

This should 100% be an address in the U.S. unless you want to risk an RFE or USCIS questioning your intelligence as it couldn't be more clearly stated what info they want.

As to the OP, I would suggest using your parents address if you are trying to fly through the process and being honest and just put a city/state if you can afford a delay of a few weeks (which honestly might not happen...I have no idea if they would RFE that).


When I filed the I-130 (at the embassy back in those sepia-colored days when DCF was still available in Japan) I listed my parents' address. At the time we didn't even have a set timeline for moving, so that was the best I could do. The officer at the embassy did mention words to the effect of, "Yeah, we have to get something from you on that one, so it can't just be left blank, but it isn't binding or anything."

Obviously it can't be a US address. Anyone suggesting otherwise has not read the question: "Address in the United States where your relative intends to live." Unless there's a secret takeover plan I'm not aware of... :)
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-28 02:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-130 intended address?

My husband is a Japanese citizen and I live in Japan on a work visa. We don't have any intended address in the states as of right now. I have seen it recommended that we should put my parent's address in this field or just include an intended city and state. Does anyone have experience with this particular situation? There seem to be lots of topics with suggestions, but never any follow up on what was chosen in the end...


I would suggest you list your Japanese address for question 2, and US address for 18. That's what we did (for Japan DCF).

I am also (probably irrationally) concerned that including a US address will slow our processing time - can I put that fear to rest?


I have heard from an acquaintance of mine in Japan that an I-130 filed back in early December with a Japanese address has not yet been approved, which runs contrary to other reports of quick approvals. I suspect some go through quickly, and some don't. No way to tell. But if you list your US address as your (the petitioner's) address on the I-130, I think there's very little to no chance of fast approval. So stick with the Japanese address.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-28 00:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShould I get a Joint Sponsor?
In this layman's opinion, no need for a joint sponsor, especially if your current income is comfortably above 125%. Just attach the explanation that you did not file tax returns for those earlier years because you were a student and your income was not high enough to require filing.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-03-08 15:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFile Taxes as Married

I've read the tax discussions on this site, and have made up my mind to file my taxes as 'Married'.

Does anyone know what the process is to obtain an ITIN for my wife? She has never been to the US before and does not have an SSN.
How long does it take to obtain an ITIN?
Have others successfully done this before while their spouse is abroad?


Search the web for "W-7 instructions" and all of your questions will be answered.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-03-10 20:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 - Can it be sent in by the joint sponsor

Hello!

I'm going to e-mail the relevant Affidavit of Support forms to my father to sponsor my husband.

Along with the form to be completed by my father, I'll e-mail my father my I-864.

Can my father mail these forms directly to the NVC so that I never see it? I think that he might not want me to see all his assets. :innocent:


Sorry, Rebecca, I used DCF so I can't comment from experience on mailing directly to NVC, but another option to consider would be to have him send it to you in a sealed envelope and then you just mail that sealed envelope along with the rest of your package. Of course, he'd have to trust that you didn't open it. :)
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-03-13 12:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow can you file a tax return when you haven't been living in the USA

Even when you live in another country for 8 years and has filed Aussie tax returns for the years she has worked in the Australia you still need to file in the USA as well even though she hasn't been there working don't they consider that double dipping? trying to get this matter cleared up so we can get approval .


Your wife will probably be able to exclude some foreign income (through the foreign income and/or housing exclusions). If she had employment income in excess of that amount, then she can potentially use foreign tax credits to offset any foreign income taxes paid against US tax liability.

As has been noted, all US citizens (and permanent residents) face US tax liability on their worldwide incomes, with provisions as the above designed to minimize or eliminate double-taxation burden. If you become an LPR, you will be subject to these same requirements.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-03-13 17:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife Filed tax 2011 as Single, is there impact on Visa issuance

You can do an amend anytime after filing, just remember that an amend to be processed by IRS takes a few months (4-5). I did one in 2008 and it took for ever to get my return.


I guess there is no time limitation to file an amended return, but there is a time limit to claim a refund via an amended return (3 years from the original due date, generally). The IRS has three years from the date you filed your return to audit you or assess additional liabilities.

Let me say again that I think some people are making too big an issue out of this vis-a-vis immigration.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-18 22:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife Filed tax 2011 as Single, is there impact on Visa issuance

It won't be the first time any but the newest of Consular officers has seen this solution utilized by taxpayers.

Improper, yes. Reason to deny a visa, no.


Once again, pushbrk has hit the proverbial nail on the head.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-18 05:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife Filed tax 2011 as Single, is there impact on Visa issuance

IF YOU FILED AS SINGLE BUT ARE MARRIED FILE AN AMENDMENT TO CORRECT THE RETURN ASAP!!!!!! Remember you are married and if you sign the return stating single you are NOT filing a true, correct and complete return. And in signing the return you as stating "Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return and accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, they are true, correct, and complete." (From 1040 form at bottom where you sign)


Whoa, whoa, whoa... slow down, chief. Yes, based on what we have been told, the taxpayer's filing was incorrect. However, to the best of the taxpayer's knowledge at the time of filing, it was true, correct, and complete. Moreover, if there's any documentation of the IRS providing guidance to file as single, well, that's just additional evidence against fradulent intent.

I believe the worst that would happen (IRS-wise) is that the taxpayer receives a proposed revision to the return with recalculated taxes. I also believe that even this is highly unlikely.

However, it would be wise to correct this and may potentially also be advantageous to the OP. Whether to amend the return to married filing jointly or married filing separately requires a fairly detailed look at the spouse's income, how much of that is excludable, and what paid foreign taxes are available for credit. Having said that, I believe for the mythical "average taxpayer", treating the nonresident alien spouse as a resident and filing a joint return will result in a lower U.S. tax burden. But crunch the numbers before making a decision.

To amend to a joint return will take some time as it will need to be attached to an ITIN application (W-7) and sent off to Austin, but no big deal.

Getting back to immigration, let me just add my own experience here. While living overseas, I have for several years filed my own taxes as Head of Household (my wife and I have 2 dual-citizen children). This is a perfectly legitimate choice and, given our situation, it minimized our taxes. At no stage in the process did anyone connected with the immigration process raise this as an issue. (I know, this is a little different than filing married vs. single, but I am trying to bring some perspective here.) As always, your mileage may vary.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-18 05:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 form-Part 1- "In what occupation do you intend to work in the US ?"

thank you so much :)

i've got more questions, please help me again hehe :help:

- still on DS 230 part 1 no. 29, written: List names, dates and places of Birth and addresses of ALL children.

they talk about MY Children, don't they? i don't have children atm, so can i write *N/A? or None* there are 7 lines there. so if i can write *N/A or None* it will be at the first line (sorry if it sounds silly,i want details hehe..i'm so nervous :crying: )


Write None.

- No. 30, written: List below all places you have lived for at least six months since reaching the age of 16, including places in your country of nationality. Begin with your present residence.

i've never lived anywhere else, so i write ONLY my present residence, right?


Yes.



- No. 31 a: Person(s) named in 14 and 29 who will accompany you to the United states now.

My husband and I aren't sure if he might be able to pick me up, it depends on the situations and my feelings later, when the time comes. so, can i just write None? would it be okay? nothing bad wud happen if then my husband decided to pick me up?


If your husband is already in the US, just write "Spouse already in US". If he comes to fly back with you, no problem. This question is intended for cases where you have other relatives applying for immigration alongside you.

These aren't trick questions. Just breathe deeply :)

Edited by Gaijinsan, 19 February 2012 - 03:36 AM.

GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-19 03:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 form-Part 1- "In what occupation do you intend to work in the US ?"

and i don't think i'll teach there :unsure: :blush: and i would like to try a new kinda job :yes:


Then I'd just write Undecided. Good luck!
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-18 23:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 form-Part 1- "In what occupation do you intend to work in the US ?"

Hi all, please help.

A. a question on DS 230 form part 1, no.32 : "In what occupation do you intend to work in the United States?"

1. I'm not sure what work I'll do once I get to the US, so can I leave this blank or is it a better idea to write something here ? is it okay to just write "unknown, EAD to be filled after arrival" (i got this sample answer online, not sure what EAD is :blush:


The good news is that you are applying for an IR-1/CR-1 visa, so you don't need to worry about the EAD.

If you really have no intended occupation (remember, it's just your intention, doesn't mean that you have to work in it), then I would write "Undecided".


2. If we should not leave the field blank, I was wondering what I should write here. I am a teacher, is it ok if i write "i will teach" ?? i don't think it is appropriate, well my feeling told me so :unsure:


Do you intend to be a teacher in the US or not? Don't overthink these things, you'll go crazy.


B. a quetion on DS 230 form part i, no 33: "Professional associations to which you belong?" what does it mean? what should i write? :unsure: :blush: is it okay if i write N/A or just leave it blank?


Probably also not a question worth worrying too much about. Do you belong to any industry groups (such as teachers associations, the Indonesian League of Professional Jugglers, etc. :))? If so list them, if not, just write None.
My wife didn't belong to any, so that's what she did.

I would advise against leaving anything blank. If it doesn't apply, indicate such as appropriate ("None", "Not Applicable", etc.)
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-18 22:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTranslation services

The translation can be done by anyone competent in both languages. See the format I copied here. The " certification " is simply the statement you see here. This has been used many times & is accepted by USCIS.

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________
Date Typed Name
Address


Just to add, the US Embassy in Tokyo has provided nice templates for translating either the short or long ("fancy") versions of the Japanese marriage certificate.

http://japan.usembas...tacs-7114a.html

Look under "Translating Your Marriage Certificate"

With the template and the above declaration, there's no need to pay someone else to do this for you.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-03-14 00:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax Deductions

Hi all,

does anyone know of tax deductions for the US spouse who is married to a foreign woman and bringing her to the US on an immigrant visa?

For example, are any travel expenses deductable? Support payments? The wedding? (in Manila)

Thanks


If you are living overseas and then you and your spouse move to the US so that you can take on a new job here (or a transferred position here), your moving and travel expenses may be deductible. Consult a qualified tax professional.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-06-15 00:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo CBP interview you at POE?

I'm flying to LAX in a few days and I'm nervous. After CBP takes my sealed envelope and passport, I will be going to a separate room right? What's going to happen in there!!!!??????? Do they interview me? Ask some questions?? I think I'm over-thinking, but like I don't remember my parents in law's real name and stuff. They are SO long and can't even pronounce them. Should I memorize them just in case? :help:


My wife came into LAX on Saturday. SQ12 from Narita... wheels down on the runway at 1:14 PM, she and the kids were out of customs at 2:45. (I should add that they came out alongside other economy class passengers from the same flight, so they didn't have any undue delays relative to others; though overall it seemed to be a busy time for arrivals). No questions or anything, it just took 10 minutes because there was a little extra paperwork to do, she said. We have a new US address from the time the visa was approved, so part of that was updating that.

Totally hassle free she said, so my advice is relax and find other things to worry about :)

Edited by Gaijinsan, 25 June 2012 - 05:28 PM.

GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-06-25 17:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTranslate Documents into English

Not true at all.

As long as it is "certified" by someone it will pass NVC.

Mine were approved within 48 hours of being delivered. I submitted 2 translations with the IV application and 4 with the AOS. All were certified by my wife.


100% agreed.
I did all of our translations myself, even those that don't fit into the templates the embassy puts up on their website.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-06 04:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling for I-130
In addition to the other links provided, the US Embassy in Tokyo has provided this little checklist as well. If this disagrees with any of the USCIS sites, I would suggest you follow the USCIS instructions.

http://japan.usembas...ivpetition.html

Sadly, direct filing of the I-130 petition in Japan is no longer possible except in emergency circumstances.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-21 04:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions from Japan

1) It looks like I have to send the forms to a lockbox in Chicago. I believe that in a very recent change, they are no longer accepted here in Japan.


Yes, unfortunately. It's too bad because when Tokyo processed I-130s it was essentially instantaneous, especially in a case like yours.

It requires a money order for payment, so I was thinking about sending the packet to my mom and she could get the money order and send everything to Chicago. Is it a problem if the package is postmarked from America even though I'm in Japan?


Not at all.

2) Japanese documents must be translated, but can I just do it myself? I've lived in Japan for a long time and I'm very proficient at translating... I've even done freelance translation from time to time... Of course, I'll write the proper certification note, but will the RFE me if I do the translations myself? I'm really worried about this one...


Not a problem at all. That's what I did. The embassy even provides translation templates for those not-so-proficient.

3) Whenever I write my address in English, I always include romanized words for prefecture, city and divisions in my address. For example, I live in Shiga Prefecture, but I would normally write Shiga-ken. Is that ok? Should I just write Shiga? It looks really weird (incorrect?) when I write my address without these words. Any advice from those with Japanese spouses would be really helpful...


I have always written it out in the Japanese way (in romaji, of course) without problems. This applies to immigration, taxes, you name it.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-12-27 21:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresadditional financial support document

Hi,

I filed an immigration visa for my spouse. We finished a review of National Visa Center (NVC) and will have a visa interview at end of this month.

NVC needs additional financial evidence at the visa interview listed below:

[x] A written statement indicating why you did not file 2012 Federal income tax returns.

[x] 2012 Federal income tax returns, IRS printout, or Letter 1722 issued by the IRS.

 

I have dual nationality (us and japan). I was born in US and left US with my parents before I was one year old. I had been in Japan until I moved to US at this year for my new job. So, I never work in US and didn?t pay federal tax before. (Off course, I paid Japanese taxes.) I filed a document to NVC stating why I didn?t filing federal tax for years.

 

I talked to IRS officer and she issued document of "verification of non-filing" of 2012 tax period. She said this document was good enough for NVC demand. Again, I asked NVC to confirm this IRS document met the need and they answered their process was already finished and asked to US Embassy.

Then, I e-mailed to US Embassy in Tokyo about our situation. They answered we needed to submit additional financial documents because document issued by IRS is not proved the reason that I did not pay federal tax.

 

I don?t see what I can do because the IRS officer approved this document that meets NVC?s needs listed above..

What do you think I need additional financial documents? If so, please let me know which document I need.

There isn?t much time left before our visa interview. We need your help!!

 

Your fundamental problem is this: you were supposed to file a US tax return (whether you realized it or not), and you didn't. What the IRS has given you is a docum,en which confirms you didn't file a tax return. It doesn't say you weren't required to file a tax return. 

 

As a US citizen, assuming your income exceeded the filing thresholds and regardless of the location earned, you are obligated to file a Federal tax return.

 

I suggest you quickly file. There's a very good chance you wouldn't owe anything, anyway.


Edited by Gaijinsan, 20 November 2013 - 10:57 PM.

GaijinsanMaleJapan2013-11-20 22:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan people from visa waiver countries skip K1?

Ok, I'm definitely sticking with the K-1 plan then.
It wasn't my intention to out smart the system, but when USCIS can't tell me one way or the other, you guys are my only hope for answers.
You all have my deepest gratitude!


Good man. To have had your fiancee enter with the intention to remain would have been illegal, whether or not she got away with it. In any case, no real reason to take any chances since the visa process through Japan is quite easy.

The only downside is the waiting. Admittedly, that's a bummer but you can always have her come visit you in the US while you are waiting things out. Or come on over here to Japan, it'll be sakura season here soon enough... if it ever warms up. :)
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-16 20:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F, Regarding Question 11A

1. Since the box is too small and I have to include an attachment, would it be beneficial to write an explanation of why the marriage didn't last? Do they really care about such things?


My layman's opinion is no, they don't care. You would be wise to make sure your current fiancee is well-versed in this history though, as they may very well ask about it at her interview.

2. I don't know exactly when and where, down to the date and address of when I filed. I only have her A#. Do I really need exact date and address of where I sent the K-1? Can I just approximate?


I suggest that you provide the information you are sure of (e.g., month and year, or maybe just year). Don't guess for anything you aren't. If you provide the A number they can easily look everything else up from there, if they are so inclined.



A friend of mine didn't get a fiance visa at all. His wife (Japanese) just came here on a tourist visa and they got married. They now live in her country permanently, though they did live here for several years after they got married.

So are there any consequences to just doing that and skipping the Fiance Visa, since Japanese (my fiance) can stay here 90 days without having to file for any sort of visa?


Already discussed in your other thread.
GaijinsanMaleJapan2012-02-16 20:41:00