ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures1) Vancouver and 2) Using assets in lieu of income

Thank you...yes, I've read up on this, about domicile. My wife is already registered for school and she has all of the docs for this. Her mom will also be writing a letter confirming that we will be sharing a home with her and we'll be paying x amount of dollars. I love this site...I wouldn't have known to do any of that, if not for VJ!



I am in a similar situation where my US Citizen wife will be attending school in the US and I am still awaiting my i-130 approval for myself and my daughter. I am the only income earner and have substantial assets to help support her. Does anyone know if this can help expedite the Visa Process for my daughter (2 years old) and I?
FlyCalMaleCanada2013-04-11 14:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresImportant Few Questions...

I'm confused about your question, are you filing for your spouse? Who is the USC? I don't know what an I-190 is so don't know what other steps would follow that path.

USCIS won't care about income from Canada for a spousal petition. The USC has to be able to support the beneficiary based on the poverty guidelines. There is an opportunity to use assets. However, you must have tax returns filed for the past 3 years in the States.

Lots to think about obviously and I'm sorry I can't be more help.



Sorry, I meant I-130. I must have had a slip of the hand. :)

My spouse is filing for me as she is the USC. No income has ever been derived from the US, and she's going to bring her tax filing status up to date ASAP. If they dont care about Canadian income, how will they qualify her for support? They would have to look at her Canadian tax filings or at least pay history I would assume.
FlyCalMaleCanada2013-04-18 15:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresImportant Few Questions...
Hi All,
So, I am currently waiting for an I-190 approval that was filed early March. My situation may be a little unique, but I wanted to see what you guys suggest..

-My wife will be attending school full-time for 1 year once we get into the US...therefore no income for that time period.
-I am leaving my main job in Canada in order to pursue some training and a slightly new career path in the US...therefore, income will be nil at the time of immigration.
-We have substantial assets that we are bringing in which we can support ourselves nicely for quite a while, plus I am still going to working at a secondary job to help support us a bit more.
-Our Canadian tax returns would show substantial income over the past few years.

What will USCIS think of this situation? I know we are supposed to file tax returns, bank statements and employment verification once we are in the next phase of immigration, but since our situation is a bit unique, will this cause any issues?

What are peoples thoughts on this?
FlyCalMaleCanada2013-04-18 14:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChildren and the IR-1 Process
These are some great answers and a HUGE help. I appreciate all the responses.
BTW: the petitioner is my child's biological mother.
FlyCalMaleCanada2013-04-22 19:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChildren and the IR-1 Process
My 2 year old daughter is going through the same process as I am for the IR-1 Green Card.
My question is regarding documentation. The NVC wants everything including police certificates, employment letters (from Petitioner), etc from adults in the process, but what will I have to supply for my daughter? Do I need police certificate for her? What else will they ask for? Just want to be prepared.

Can anyone shed some insight into this?
FlyCalMaleCanada2013-04-22 12:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDelays after RFE on I-130

Hey Guys,

During the I-130 approval process if a simple RFE is dealt (simple as in just a long form BC request), are their usually additional delay's once the BC is received at USCIS?

Obviously our i-130 has been handled by an IO, which I am assuming is a good thing for progression in this process, but I just wanted to insight from the crowd. 

 


FlyCalMaleCanada2013-05-10 12:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTravelling to US from Canada with approved i-130

You don't have to disclose it up front. You're traveling on business and have a return ticket right? If they ask why so many crossings say you're in the process of immigrating, explain what stage you're on and be prepared to show proof of ties. Otherwise since it's really not pertinent to this trip so it's not like you have to volunteer the information as soon as you walk up. Just be honest about what you're doing and answer questions truthfully. smile.png

 

Yes, I have a return ticket, along with property tax bill for my home in Toronto, business cards from the businesses I own, etc.  I just was a bit iffy about not saying anything in case it shows up on their screen and it looks like I am withholding information from them.


FlyCalMaleCanada2013-05-23 12:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTravelling to US from Canada with approved i-130

Hi All,

I am waiting for my case to go to the NVC for processing and I am heading down to the US for a few days on business.

My question is, do I need to disclose the approved I-130 to immigration officers even though I am entering as a visitor and have no intentions of staying longer than a few days? When I crossed over last month, I told them and they just grilled me a bit, but that was prior to the approval.

 

Thoughts?

 

 


FlyCalMaleCanada2013-05-23 07:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLegal Assistance for NVC stage
All very good info.

No lawyer it is.... :)

Now I just need a way to expedite the process a bit.




FlyCalMaleCanada2013-06-04 22:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLegal Assistance for NVC stage
Hey guys,
My case just got to NVC and I should have a case number tomorrow. My question is with respect to using a lawyer for the visa application and upcoming items. It seems pretty straightforward, but I wanted to get some opinions.

Lawyer or no lawyer?



FlyCalMaleCanada2013-06-04 21:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting while I-130 pending - ties to home country?

Ive traveled to the US 4 times (2 weeks, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 7 weeks) to see my wife since my I-130 application was sent in January, its nothing at all to worry about, just a normal visit. They do not know at the entry point that you have  an application in progress, don't think there's going to be a big red screen flashes up or anything like that, there isn't, as far as they know you are just a regular visitor, and you are. Answer their questions, nothing more, don't say and tell them things they don't ask, don't have a stack of papers in your hand ready to give them, just keep them away and bring them out if asked for anything.


Would this not be withholding pertinent information from the IO? I've gone across a number of times on business too, but I always disclose the fact that I am in the immigration process, but that the trip I am going on now is for business purposes only (which is the case).

FlyCalMaleCanada2013-06-10 20:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support - Tax Proof

Tax return TRANSCRIPTS are what she needs, ordered from IRS. If she's only just filed they may take some time to get into the system there, though. Once they're there, when you order, they take only a week or so to come in the mail, and they will only send them to the address they have on file for her.


Is it a tax return transcript or tax account transcript that I want?

FlyCalMaleCanada2013-06-11 21:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support - Tax Proof
My wife (USC living abroad) recently filed 3 years tax returns to the IRS under the voluntary disclosure program. Would copies of the returns be sufficient proof of taxes up to date? According to her US tax accountant, W2's are not issued unless taxes are owing.
FlyCalMaleCanada2013-06-10 20:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow important are the last 3 tax returns?

As long as you remember to include them and they are the appropriate kind of assets.  Some aren't acceptable.  Straight cash in the bank is obviously best and always accepted.  But you cannot use the house you're living in and 401k are rarely acceptable because they have so many issues with liquidation.  Even with assets you have to have minimum 3x the difference between income and assets.  Having just under 60k in the bank or liquidable assets is often a lot harder for people to have than a $10/hr job to make the minimum for 2 people.  People who make $10/hr or less aren't likely to have the different in cash either unless they're retired or do a lot of investment type things. 

difference not different***


So, as another scenario, what if a couple has say $200,000 cash and limited income? I had this question posed to me last week.

FlyCalMaleCanada2013-06-15 21:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow important are the last 3 tax returns?

I think a few other things are taken into consideration.  Remember, the consulate has the final say even if your documents make it past NVC as being acceptable, the consulate could require you to get a joint sponsor.  While they look at the current year's income, nothing says more about not having the potential to be a public charge as longevity in a job.  
 
As dwheels76 suggested, write a letter about why there's been a disparity in income between the years and make sure that there's a letter of employment from the employer stating the hire date and the current rate of pay.


Lets all keep in mind that they look at total assets too if income does not qualify properly.

FlyCalMaleCanada2013-06-15 20:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS & IV from Canada
Going to be submitting both tomorrow and want to know if I should be filing by email or online (electronic) to quicken the process????
FlyCalMaleCanada2013-06-19 23:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCanadian going for the IR1/ CR1
I have heard from people on this board that the K3 processing times are slower than the IR1 currently. With the IR1 are there restrictions on travel between the US and Canada will the processing is going on. Thanks.
JMilroyMaleCanada2009-02-09 22:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVietnam police background check
Where did you obtain a police report from Vietnam? I worked in HCMC for 2 years so will need to get a police report.
heljanFemaleCanada2009-05-15 18:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresADDRESS FOR 1-184HI
Hi there,

I'm currently in the US waiting until my interview in Montreal. We've been approved and are filling out the I-184 and I was wondering if I can make my mailing address on this petition my US address or just put in my Canadian one?? I don't want to make any trouble if I put my current address as a US one instead of a CDN one even though I'm here on a B2.

Thanks for your help!
bluebellperriwinkFemaleCanada2012-04-10 17:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAccepted at NVC today
Hi All,

We were accepted at NVC today but when I called the operator he said they would contact us in 20 days or so.

What I want to know is if this is normal or not? I was under the impression that we would be assigned a case number and then we could do everything online? (I'm a Montreal beneficiary.)

Any help or guidance would be appreciated!

Thank you.
bluebellperriwinkFemaleCanada2012-04-23 13:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOPTIN EMAIL
My husband and I got our NVC case number and all that today. We sent the OPTIN email and got a response (not the automatic one) saying they're received it from us.

I didn't send the DS-3032 ... Do I have to email it to them? Or is this the same thing? I've been reading the NVC guide for Montreal but can't find the info on the ds-3032

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
bluebellperriwinkFemaleCanada2012-05-03 21:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmailing I-184 TO NVC

You have to put them in a .pdf format. It is the only format NVC accepts.

1. Download the free Adobe
2. Scan your documents as a .pdf, or after they are scanned, turn them into a .pdf file. (If you scan everything at one time it will make them one big .pdf file. If you scan individually, then you have to merge them.)
3. use Foxy ->>Foxy utilities to merge into one document.
4. use PDF escape ->> PDF escape to fill out the forms and put them in the order you want.

Both are foxy and pdf escape are free and will not harm your computer. Make sure your packages are under 8mb or NVC servers will reject them.




You can't zip files to NVC.


May I ask how you made your package under 8MB??
bluebellperriwinkFemaleCanada2012-05-04 23:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmailing I-184 TO NVC

You have to put them in a .pdf format. It is the only format NVC accepts.

1. Download the free Adobe
2. Scan your documents as a .pdf, or after they are scanned, turn them into a .pdf file. (If you scan everything at one time it will make them one big .pdf file. If you scan individually, then you have to merge them.)
3. use Foxy ->>Foxy utilities to merge into one document.
4. use PDF escape ->> PDF escape to fill out the forms and put them in the order you want.

Both are foxy and pdf escape are free and will not harm your computer. Make sure your packages are under 8mb or NVC servers will reject them.




You can't zip files to NVC.



Thanks so much!
bluebellperriwinkFemaleCanada2012-05-04 23:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmailing I-184 TO NVC

*I-864

You compile all the PDFs into one large PDF. You then send that one PDF to NVC. I have instructions on how to do this in my wiki (linked below in my signature).



I forgot to specify ... I need to know how to do it if you DO NOT have Adobe Acrobat.

Thanks for your reply!
bluebellperriwinkFemaleCanada2012-05-04 21:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmailing I-184 TO NVC
Thank you to everyone for all your help so far!!

I'm compiling my documents to email NVC my I-184 but I'm a bit stumped. Do I attach every document separately in the email or is there a better way to do it? I'm just thinking that with all the transcripts, bank statements and pay stubs there will be a lot of attachments.

Any help would be appreciated! Thank you in advance!
bluebellperriwinkFemaleCanada2012-05-04 19:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about I-864 at NVC.

3 recent paystubs at what intervals? 3 weeks? 3 months?

It sounds like you were just considered very close to the line. The good news is that your case cleared NVC - now be prepared for the interview. Anything additional to support your financial picture will be beneficial. Remember the consulate has the final call on everything.


Oh I'm sorry ... 3 pay checks totaling 6 weeks. Every two weeks.
bluebellperriwinkFemaleCanada2012-05-17 21:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about I-864 at NVC.

Sounds like NVC is referring your I-864 to the consulate to make the final decision (as they do anyway). As mentioned in your other post, if you can secure a joint sponsor, do it.

Just curious - but being only $1000 over the requirement - how many months of paystubs did you provide? Did you send an employment letter? How did you document your bank assets?


We sent an employment letter, 3 recent pay stubs and bank statements for four bank accounts.
bluebellperriwinkFemaleCanada2012-05-17 20:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about I-864 at NVC.
Okay so this is what happened :


We had all our documents sent in and accepted on Monday. On Tuesday morning I woke up to an email from NVC with a checklist. Inside it said to send our civil documents (which I had done already) and this about our I-864

The NVC has received the information you have submitted in reference to
the Affidavit of Support. Please be advised that the Affidavit of Support
information you have provided does not appear to meet the minimum
income requirement according to the current poverty guidelines to sponsor
the intending immigrant(s) for this petition. The consular officer will make
a decision regarding this requirement at the time of your interview. In
order to avoid delays, you may wish to submit an additional Affidavit of
Support (Form I-864) for a/another Joint Sponsor to the National Visa
Center to assist in sponsoring the intending immigrants. To view the
current poverty guidelines, visit
http://www.uscis.gov...orm/I-864P.pdf.

If you decide to use a Joint Sponsor to assist in sponsoring the intending
immigrants, please note that you the sponsor may not use Form I-864EZ
and will also need to submit Form I-864.

As I said in an earlier post, my husband does make more than 125% of the poverty guidelines for 2 people by about $1000. Knowing this was low we sent in bank statements amounting to about 15k. So I was confused as to why this was the case and emailed them back. No response yesterday or this morning so I called them today and the operator told me that our case was complete. So what does this mean for our situation? Do we need to get a joint sponsor and just bring that paperwork to the interview? Or can we bring proof of other assets ie. vehicles & a motorcycle along with current bank statements that will show more in our savings. We're trying to get my husband's dad to co sponsor but he is really reluctant due to the legal obligations so we would really like to try and do this ourselves if possible. Is this possible?

Is it normal to pass through NVC without meeting the minimum guidelines?

Thanks for any help or insight!
bluebellperriwinkFemaleCanada2012-05-17 18:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about I-864 at NVC.
So we got the dreaded email from NVC today saying that they didn't accept our financials and we would need to find a co-sponsor. The only problem is ... My husband makes $1000 more than 125% of the poverty level for 2 people. We also included $15k in bank statements. He didn't make the poverty level on his 2011 taxes ... Is that the reason why they didn't accept us??

Does anyone have any other ideas as to why they say he doesn't meet the guidelines???

Thank you for your help!
bluebellperriwinkFemaleCanada2012-05-16 10:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support Income Question

How long will the alimony go on for?


She's been receiving it for a few years and it goes on until she gets remarried which will probably not be anytime soon.
bluebellperriwinkFemaleCanada2012-05-19 20:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support Income Question
We're trying to find a joint sponsor for our interview and my husband's Mom has volunteered. The only problem is, she is unemployed but receives alimony payments every month. The payments would add up to 125% or the poverty guidelines for 3 people and she has past years taxes to prove that. She also has a significant amount in her savings. I know alimony is income but not counted as earned income so I'm not sure if she's able to be the sponsor.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
bluebellperriwinkFemaleCanada2012-05-19 20:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Locations
Thanks everyone for the valuable info!

and here I thought I could walk to my interview from the train station in Toronto. Ah well.

canadianwifeFemaleCanada2008-12-30 10:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Locations
Where are the interviews held in Canada? A lot of these posts are referring to Montreal interviews. Do interviews not take place at the Consulate in Toronto at all?

Our petition of I-130 has been forwarded to the NVC recently, so it will be a little while longer before I have an interview, but does this mean I'll be flying or driving to Montreal when it does happen? I live 30 mins east of Toronto, not sure if that makes a difference or not.

Help is appreciated! A trip to Montreal would be fun... but the immigration is costing enough as it is. Let alone hotel and flight costs.


canadianwifeFemaleCanada2008-12-30 00:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAny August Filers???
Hello!

I am an August Filer. Form I-130 was received by the California Service Centre on AUGUST 15 2008, we received our approval on DEC 18 2008. The other day we were sent the notice that our application has been forwarded to the National Visa Centre.
canadianwifeFemaleCanada2008-12-29 23:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Name Change (Different that on Petition)
My spouse and I started our Visa petition BEFORE I had my name changed on my Canadian passport and Canadian driver's license so all of the documents and paperwork I initially sent to USCIS was done in my maiden name.

I recently updated my passport, health card and driver's license to show my married name and I've decided I would also like my Greencard issued in my married name as well. My petition is currently sitting at the National Visa Centre , no interview is schedule yet.

Does anyone know if they will change my name on the application? Will this name change cause a problem down the line? (My birth certificate and Social Insurance Card are all still in my Maiden name) If I get the greencard in my Maiden name, will I have any problems entering the US with a passport showing a different last name?


canadianwifeFemaleCanada2009-01-16 21:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGreencard Approved - How long can you defer move to USA.
6 months eh?

Thanks everyone for the help. I hope he doesn't get deployed, but if it does I plan to stay in Canada as long as possible.

canadianwifeFemaleCanada2009-02-13 11:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGreencard Approved - How long can you defer move to USA.
My GC isn't approved yet, but I have a general question:

Once you pass your interview (mine will be in Montreal Canada) and the US government grants you permanent resident status, how long are you able to stay in Canada before moving to the US?

My husband may be deployed to Afghanistan during my immigration process, so I'd like to remain in Canada as long as possible before heading to the USA (since I will be alone there, assuming he is deployed).

Anyone know?
canadianwifeFemaleCanada2009-02-13 10:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo POE and come back same day
Wondering if it's possible that when you get your Visa and Passports back from the consulate that you go to any border crossing, do your POE and come back to Toronto the same/next day.
I want to do my POE first, then come back, sell house, quit job, pack and go California...plan to do the move/drive myself with UHaul or through any mover because I have a lot of stuff which I don't want to sell.
Anyone done this move/drive themselves with UHaul etc. to LA - I know it's a long trip - have done quite some trips before. :help:
goodbuck25MaleCanada2013-02-20 20:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC HELP
That's what I was looking for.

Thanks !
tommyintorontoMaleCanada2012-05-01 21:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC HELP
I'll go give it another read.

So I think I understand the difference between the 2. The lawyer is submitting everything. Maybe a better question is can both the lawyer and myself opt in or do you know if it's one or the other ?
tommyintorontoMaleCanada2012-05-01 20:32:00