ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFather-in-inlaw is the sponsor
I should be more clear. No matter what, as pushbrk corrected me, with the K visas or with the CR1 visa, your wife must be the sponsor and your father-in-law is the co-sponsor. For a K3 both your spouse and father-in-law must fill out the I-134 and give you their financial documents. For the CR1, both of them must fill out the I-864 and give you their financial documents.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-08 15:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFather-in-inlaw is the sponsor

Please note i am willing at the embassy for CR1 interview. Do i still need to submit my wife's financial docs?


If you're going for a CR1 interview, you must have your wife's documents, and she should be your main sponsor and the father-in-law should be the co-sponsor. The I-134 does not figure into the CR1 visa process. That's only for non-immigrant visas.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-08 15:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFather-in-inlaw is the sponsor

Hello my good VJers. I really would like to thank you all for your kind advice to people like me who knows less about immigration processes......My wife's father i.e my father-in-law is the sponsorer and he is the one filling the I-134 plus all other of his financial documents like bank statements,tax income return for the last 3yrs,letter from his employer,pay stub and other financial documents. Now the question is do i need to submit my wife's financial papers too>> Someone please tell me what to do as our interview is set for the 11th of july which is 4days from now........Any piece is advice would be appreciated as usual...

Regards,

Jamil


Your wife's financial papers are also needed. The father in-law can only be a co-sponsor. If you'r using an I-134 for her father, you need one from her too. You do not submit them. You turn them over if and when asked for them.


I thought it was different for a non-immigrant visa and the I-134? And then when they adjust status, the wife has to be the sponsor and the father-in-law co-sponsor on the I-864. Or is that since they will eventually have to adjust status on the K3 or complete the I-130, the interviewer might ask now for his wife's financial documents?


K visas are adjudicated by immigrant visa units because they have immigrant intent. The PI, for instance, won't accept any sponsor but the USC Fiance as sole sponsor. No co-sponsors are accepted. There may be a Consulate out there accepting somebody other than the Fiance or Spouse as primary sponsor for K visas but I don't know of it.

Other non-immigrant visa applicants can be supported by any sponsor.


Thanks for clearing that up. I must have read some misleading information somewhere.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-08 08:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFather-in-inlaw is the sponsor

Hello my good VJers. I really would like to thank you all for your kind advice to people like me who knows less about immigration processes......My wife's father i.e my father-in-law is the sponsorer and he is the one filling the I-134 plus all other of his financial documents like bank statements,tax income return for the last 3yrs,letter from his employer,pay stub and other financial documents. Now the question is do i need to submit my wife's financial papers too>> Someone please tell me what to do as our interview is set for the 11th of july which is 4days from now........Any piece is advice would be appreciated as usual...

Regards,

Jamil


Your wife's financial papers are also needed. The father in-law can only be a co-sponsor. If you'r using an I-134 for her father, you need one from her too. You do not submit them. You turn them over if and when asked for them.


I thought it was different for a non-immigrant visa and the I-134? And then when they adjust status, the wife has to be the sponsor and the father-in-law co-sponsor on the I-864. Or is that since they will eventually have to adjust status on the K3 or complete the I-130, the interviewer might ask now for his wife's financial documents?
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-08 04:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI130

On the I130 form section C Information about your alien relative question 17. List husband/wife and all children of your relative. Do i list my children or his? We both have children from previous marriages.


Who are filling out an I-130 for? In your timeline, it says your spouse has adjusted status, so I assuming this is for a different family member and that may effect how the question should be answered. Please give a bit more detail about what you're needing to do.

EDIT - I saw your situation in another post. I'm sorry for what you've had to go through. You list yourself as his wife and list only his children in that part of the I-130.

Edited by MargotDarko, 09 July 2007 - 06:20 AM.

MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-09 06:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 and K4 approved. How to proceed?

My I-130 and K4 applications have been approved. The question is, how do I proceed now? The thing is, the new adjustment of status fees that will kick in soon will stretch my capabilities to their breaking point - we are talking thousands of dollars now for my family, instead of less than $1500, as I expected. Is it the case that one still has to pay adjustment of status fees if getting the permanent residence while abroad? One would have thought that the answer is no, but - Would it be possible to stay in the US on the K4 visa, and go back to one's original country to do the permanent residence interview - thus bypassing the AOS altogether? The AOS application is a bureaucratic nightmare, and a financial one as well now; I'd rather spend my money to send my family back for their permanent residence interview. Also, what is happening with the I-130 visa processing fees? Are they also skyrocketing to over $1,000 each after 30th July?


Hello. Are you saying that your I-130 and I-129f petitions have both been approved? Unless the I-130 was approved first and forwarded to NVC first, you don't have much of a choice. The I-129f petition will go ahead for processing and the I-130 will be held. You could bring your family to the US on the K visas then. There is a form to file (1-824 I think). It costs $200 I believe and no one has reported any movement on theirs in less than six months. That would eventually release the I-130 and then you could proceed with the immigrant visas rather than adjusting status. Then it's $380 for each immigrant visa I believe. Only the filing fees are changing, not the visa fees.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-08 04:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 for CR-1/IR-1
That sounds strange to me. The I-134 is non-binding and is for non-immigrant visas. The I-864 for is binding and is for immigrant visas like the CR1/IR1. For joint sponsorship for the CR1/IR1, the spouse fills out the I-864 as the main sponsor no matter what, and the co-sponsor fills out a second I-864 as the joint sponsor.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-09 05:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSpouse visa from US vs. DCF in London?

Oh Yeah!!! Thank you MargotDarko! You have totally made my day... I think I get it now, and the fact that we are near the end of it is even greater news. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to answer my question.

Yes, i guess it's going to be the CR1 first as we are only coming up to our 1st anniversary in september.

Thanks.


No problem! I'm glad to help. Hopefully you'll received news soon that it's been forwarded to the embassy.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-10 04:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSpouse visa from US vs. DCF in London?

You cannot do a DCF at the London Embassy until your wife has her Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, or whatever it is called these days, visa.

Have you looked at the Immigration Timelines there is a link above this thread to give you an idea of how long the total process takes, and each stage takes, at the Service Centre you applied to.


Hi there. The thing about ILR is no longer true as of March or April this year. Anyone with entry clearance who has been in the UK for six months or more should definitely be able to do it now. :)


thanks.


So that means because we started in November, we got the wrong end of the stick and have to wait longer - for California Service Center to get their act together, as oppose to quickly get it done here in London??

I have looked at the timeline but i have a problem figuring out just where we're at... yes, I am a bit slow. what's ILR and IV Bill stand for??

I have paid $380 for the Affidavit of Support form (I-864) and sent off the packet with the DS-230. Is the next thing to get something from the embassy? (providing all paper work is in order)? Should I be expecting more bills coming my way for the visa itself, or it's just the medical bill?


Yes, it sucks, but it's true that by starting in November you've gotten the wrong end of the stick. Good news though is that you're really quite far along in the process for an actual immigrant visa.

ILR is indefinite leave to remain - which is UK entry clearance that your wife used to need to file directly in London. IV fee bill is the immigrant visa fee - basically the cost of the actual visa. The $380 you've paid is actually the IV fee bill and the money for the affidavit of support. You don't have any more costs except the medical (which is now £200 - my husband and I are about to go through the pain of paying for it). The next thing you should get, providing everything is in order, is something from the embassy about an interview I believe. Or perhaps they'll send you information on arranging the medical.

More good news is that at the end of this (you should be just a few months away or less from the end now), you'll have either a CR1 or IR1 visa. CR1 if you've been married less than two years at the time of your interview, and IR1 if you've been married for more than two years. With the CR1, you'll automatically get a two year green card and work authorisation upon your arrival in the US. And all you'll have to do after that is file for removal of conditions 90 days or less before the green card expires. If you get an IR1, then you're really set. You'll get a 10 year green card, and will only have to worry about naturalisation if that's something you want to do.

EDIT - Just to add, you're no longer dealing with the CA service center. Everything's now at the NVC (National Visa Center) and should soon be on its way to the embassy in London.

Edited by MargotDarko, 08 July 2007 - 04:25 AM.

MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-08 04:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSpouse visa from US vs. DCF in London?

You cannot do a DCF at the London Embassy until your wife has her Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, or whatever it is called these days, visa.

Have you looked at the Immigration Timelines there is a link above this thread to give you an idea of how long the total process takes, and each stage takes, at the Service Centre you applied to.


Hi there. The thing about ILR is no longer true as of March or April this year. Anyone with entry clearance who has been in the UK for six months or more should definitely be able to do it now. :)
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-07 13:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSpouse visa from US vs. DCF in London?

I don't get it. We live in England. We got married last September, my wife (the petitioner) was in the UK for a year by then. We got her UK residency in 20 minutes (filling out the forms infront of the officer at the British consulate in Los Angeles, a day after we got married there), came home (London) and started my green-card application in November.

They told us we can't file at the consulate direct because they (the american visa people) don't accept her as a resident in the UK... even though we live, work and maintain all our existence here. I lost track of how many papers we sent out and where it all went, but what I know is that I've never heard anything from the K-3 after NOA1... insted they started sending stuff about the Green Card application...

We just sent out the Affidavit of Support packet (and included the DS-230, which I'm not sure we were meant to), and sort of wait and see. I got my police paper almost a year ago, not thinking this whole process to take so long.

Any ideas what can I expect next? I've been trying to find info, read up, educate myself but I found a lot of contradictory statements, stories all over the net. How far am I, realistically, from the interview?


So you've done the IV fee bill and sent it to the NVC in America? I'm having trouble understanding where you are in the process.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-07 08:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions on the I-864
I'm sorry I made the assumption that you do not live with your parents. If you live with them now and your wife will live with all of you, then yes your father and other family members fill out the I-864A.

From my understanding of the information you have given, under 21 you would write 1 in a, 1 in b, 0 in C, D, E, and F, and then 3 in G for a total of 5. The combined income/assets would have to be equal to or more than $30,163.

Using the house as an assets is quite complicated. You wouldn't be able to report the actual worth as the actual asset amount.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-11 08:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions on the I-864
Does your sister still live with your parents? If she does, a possibility is for your dad to fill out a 1-864 and for your mom and sister to each fill out a I-864A. If their income all together is more than enough for a household of 4 (that's the three of them plus your spouse, assuming they have no other dependent children and that your sister doesn't either), then you should be okay. That's quite a lot of if's though, and it depends on the embassy as well since your sister's income just started.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-11 02:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMissing forms
You may receive a request to submit the rest of the copies as I believe they need your original signature on each page. If you look out for the request and have the extras ready, there shouldn't be much of a delay.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-12 04:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is the new fee effective July 30?

From my understanding the USCIS will be raising fees. HOWEVER, The NVC (Dept. of State) is a separate entity and no rate increased have been announced.


That is correct. The IV fee bill is remaining the same for now.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-12 10:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhysical

You all can believe what you want.... but it certainly was not


I believe you. Thanks for commenting and letting me know I was just reading it wrong. I do like to know when I misunderstood something.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-12 12:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhysical

It is my understanding that having the medical done for a K3 is only a recommendation as it's not totally necessary until adjusting status.


You will now have an opportunity to update your understanding as a medical is REQUIRED for a K-3 and is not simply a recomendation. What is a recomendation is the vaccinations update


Is that comment intended to sound rude or is that just the way it's coming across online?
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-12 10:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhysical
It is my understanding that having the medical done for a K3 is only a recommendation as it's not totally necessary until adjusting status. So I would think that the medical you have done is good for everything you need it for as long as it's not out of date.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-12 03:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of a Bonifide Marriage?

Add her on your insurance, and anything else you can. During my wife's interview they didnt ask for a single thing about our marriage but she was 6 months pregnant so maybe that was all they needed to see. Our interview may have been an exception to the rules. She took all kinds of pictures, emails, phone records, insurance, etc. but nothing was needed. They checked her record and my income and that was all. The POE officer made a comment about her being pregnant but these guys are jerks always. He didn't cause any problems for us he was a typical government employee with a bad attitude.



They didn't ask us for a single proof of evidence either, and I'm not pregnant. But basically if you have any pictures together, letters, emails, anything, I think thats what you want!

Good luck!


As of January this year, the I-130 instructions were revised. The OP would receive a request for evidence before the I-130 could be approved if they didn't include appropriate evidence of a bona fide marriage.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-13 02:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of a Bonifide Marriage?

Well i read on the guides that we need to send evidence of a bonifide marriage ! but here the thing !

i live here in the USA and my wife live i Venezuela

how i going to have evidence of a bonifide if we are just trying to live together in USA?

first we would have to live here together in order to have any bonifide evidence ! am i off here ?

thanks guys


In the I-130 instructions, there are example of acceptable documents to prove bona fide marriage. If you've never lived together and have no shared accounts, you can submit affidavits from friends/family attesting to your relationship. There's an example under the I-751 guides I believe. Basically it's a letter saying they the person knows you and your wife and attests to the genuineness of your relationship. It doesn't specify a number, but three is a safe number.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-12 16:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfinal interview letter 4 CR-1

It works surprisingly different for NVC than DCF. It definitely takes longer as well. It's not unusual that he hasn't received the packet with DS-230 and medical information yet. It shouldn't be too much longer though. And then I believe the timelines start to match up with DCF.


Yep, as soon as you reach the Embassy we're all in the same boat, obsessing over the same things!


It lines up when the foreign spouse receives the packet 3. It only took a week between NOA2 and packet 3 for me but for those going through NVC it takes much longer.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-13 07:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfinal interview letter 4 CR-1

Okay...I think I understand a little better now. Sorry to be a nag but it would be really helpful if you could fill in your timeline -- it helps us to help you better!

Your file has been forwarded from the NVC to the Embassy -- has your husband received what is known here as Packet 3? This is a letter from the Embassy and not the NVC which states that processing has begun, and includes (amongst other things) a copy of DS-230, info on what documents need to be gathered, and how to schedule a medical, as well as the checklist I mentioned. If he has not received this yet, he is not "in the system" at London yet. As I said earlier, 4 weeks is on the long side but not unheard of.

I didn't go through the NVC as I filed directly through London doing a DCF, so I'm not fully conversant on what happens between the NVC and the Embassy -- has he received a case number yet? It should start LND2007... If you have this, you can call the Dept of State number I mentioned above and ask what his status is -- Packet 3 has been posted, or still waiting to be posted, etc etc. It is a US number and you will only pay what a regular old US long-distance phone call to DC would cost. The Embassy numbers do not have a back door -- sorry. They are known as the Extortion Line over in the UK Forum for a good reason! Generally, the Dept of State can help you out as they have the same info as the Embassy (most of the time). If they don't, they will tell you to call the Embassy. But you MUST have the case number.

I know how frustrating all of this can be -- if it's any comfort, you are not alone. Give your man a call or drop him an email today and find out if he has received anything from the Embassy directly, and if he has posted anything back to them. If he has, then we can give you some more advice. But this is the first step you have to do.

Best wishes from London! (F)


It works surprisingly different for NVC than DCF. It definitely takes longer as well. It's not unusual that he hasn't received the packet with DS-230 and medical information yet. It shouldn't be too much longer though. And then I believe the timelines start to match up with DCF.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-13 06:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion Regarding I-864

Hello all,

I'm a little bit panicked so I'll get straight to the point. I could really use some help here. I'm American and my husband is British. I've been living in Scotland with him for the past 20 months on a 2 year visa which is due up in October. In February we decided to move to California so we started the whole process. Everythings gone fine so far. We are now at the I-864 stage. Here's where I'm having problems.

While living here in the UK I've been working making £14500 or approx $25,000 annually. As I was physically present in the UK for the full tax year and did not work at all in the US over the past two years I qualify for foreign earned wage exclusion so I didn't file taxes in the US. Anyways, I have accepted a job in the US making $65,000 annually and it begins in September of this year (or whenever we get clearance for my husband to move to US).

So when filling in the I-864 I was under the impression that the information they want is pertaining to what my salary will be in the US. After all, the whole point of the Affadavit is to prove that my husband won't be a charge on public funds once we live in the US. My previous wage doesn't reflect what I will be making. I have a letter from my employer regarding my new job and I've already given notice of quiting my current job. So, under my current income can I use $65000 and include the letter which will prove I could support my husband 125% over poverty line once we are living in the US, or would they want my UK wage which will be ending shortly after they receive the form back?

If anyone has any advice, it would be most appreciated. Many thanks!


First, you must file the tax return and then use the income exclusion to zero your tax obligation. You are not exempt from filing a tax return. The first thing to do is to file your 06 tax return.

I would get the job offer in writing on Company letterhead before the interview but you may well need a joint sponsor to show enough current income unless you've got a little over 50K USD in liquid assets you can show. There's little chance a joint sponsor will ever have any obligation in your case.


I strongly second this. I suspect the job letter itself won't be good enough without proof of pay. To be safe, find a stateside joint sponsor.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-13 02:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust curious, what will be your occupation?
My husband is planning to write "Currently unknown" because he doesn't currently know.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-14 04:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 and 1-129f application question

i am from the us .. but it says if i file a I-130 i automatically apply for the k3 visa is that accurate? so would i need to send both payments or one since my wife is from el salvador ?


As you are married, you file the I-130 first and pay the $190 USD. Then, if you want to go for a K3 visa, you would file the I-129f as a spouse with the separate $170 fee. See the K3 guide for instructions on that. The complication right now is that the fees are about to increase for most petitions but the I-129f is about to be free for married couples going for a K3 visa.

In my opinion, if you want a K3 visa, the safest route is probably to file the I-130 now with the $190 fee and then use the instructions somewhere in the K3 folder here to file the I-129f petition with the $170 without the NOA1 from the I-130.

If you only file the I-130 and there are no serious problems along the way, your wife should have a CR1 or IR1 immigrant visa within a year.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-17 03:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWHIC STEPS TO FOLLOW

Hello expert out there,
i am a Togolese national and living in Ghana,i am yet to get my resident permit.
i am engaged to a US citizen and she will be in soon for us to register our mariage and go to the states for the nuptial day.
she is eager to stay awhile with me while we are working out the papers.
my conerns are divers.
CAN SHE START WORKING THE PAPRES BEFORE COMING TO ME?
WHAT DOCUMENTS SHOULD GET READY WHEN SHE COMES TO GHANA?
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET THE VISA SINCE SHE MIGHT GO BACK FOR HER JOB?
thank :help:


Your situation isn't entirely clear from your post. So I am going to answer based on the assumption that you and your fiance will be legally married soon in the US, that she will return to Ghana with you, and that you want a CR1 visa.

She cannot file anything until you are married and have proof of the marriage (in the US, this is a marriage certificate not just the marriage license). She should then file the I-130 with corresponding documents before going to Ghana with you. To see what documents she needs, read the IR1/CR1 visa guide and the I-130 instructions.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-17 08:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout the Fees

Hey guys,

I've already paid the AOS fee and just submitting the I-864 now. I know we'll have some fees for the medical exam in London. Just wondering if anyone can tell me what other fees we'll have as want to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Cheers!


I think there's a courier fee, but that's something like 13 GBP. Other than that, you shouldn't have to pay anything until removal of conditions if you get CR1 and if you get IR1 nothing until when/if your spouse wants to become a naturalised citizen.

EDIT - I just noticed that your profile says AOS pending. But your timeline shows that you're applying for CR1/IR1. Please clarify. I've also noticed that it says Armenia for the consulate in your timeline.

EDIT AGAIN - Okay, now I'm properly reading your post. You mean you paid the IV fee bill not the AOS fee right?


I've already paid the $70 fee and the $380 fee to the NVC so far. I'm sorry my timeline is a mess. I've been trying to figure out how to fix it for days and I have no idea why it says Armenia! hehe I've gone to the Controls bit and tried to figure out how to amend the timeline but I can't seem to figure it. I think all my brain power has been sucked up by these forms and process!

The stage I'm in just now is that I paid the $380 bill and have just received the barcode and envelope for sending the I-864 and supporting documents to the NVC. I should be sending them off tomorrow.

Again, I'm so sorry my post wasn't clear. I really do appreciate everyone's help as this has been so stressful and scary for me and my husband. I'm sure you all understand.


That's okay - I understand now. :)

After the $70 for the I-864 is paid and the medical exam is paid for, you'll only have the courier fee on the interview day. That's assuming the police certificate has already been paid for, but tha's only 10 GBP in the UK anyway. So all major fees are almost paid for now! :)


That's good news! Thanks everyone!

We have the police certificate, although when it came it wasn't what I thought it would be. All it was is a letter from the Police stating they they searched their records and found nothing on record for my hubby that needed to be reported. I did pay the £10 for it. Does that sound about right? I know my hubby had a propert disclosure from the police when he was teaching and it seemed more like a breakdown of years showing no convictions. They haven't sent me the wrong thing have they?


That's exactly the right thing and it's also the best thing when they say they just don't have any records on him. :)
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-18 05:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout the Fees

Hey guys,

I've already paid the AOS fee and just submitting the I-864 now. I know we'll have some fees for the medical exam in London. Just wondering if anyone can tell me what other fees we'll have as want to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Cheers!


I think there's a courier fee, but that's something like 13 GBP. Other than that, you shouldn't have to pay anything until removal of conditions if you get CR1 and if you get IR1 nothing until when/if your spouse wants to become a naturalised citizen.

EDIT - I just noticed that your profile says AOS pending. But your timeline shows that you're applying for CR1/IR1. Please clarify. I've also noticed that it says Armenia for the consulate in your timeline.

EDIT AGAIN - Okay, now I'm properly reading your post. You mean you paid the IV fee bill not the AOS fee right?


I've already paid the $70 fee and the $380 fee to the NVC so far. I'm sorry my timeline is a mess. I've been trying to figure out how to fix it for days and I have no idea why it says Armenia! hehe I've gone to the Controls bit and tried to figure out how to amend the timeline but I can't seem to figure it. I think all my brain power has been sucked up by these forms and process!

The stage I'm in just now is that I paid the $380 bill and have just received the barcode and envelope for sending the I-864 and supporting documents to the NVC. I should be sending them off tomorrow.

Again, I'm so sorry my post wasn't clear. I really do appreciate everyone's help as this has been so stressful and scary for me and my husband. I'm sure you all understand.


That's okay - I understand now. :)

After the $70 for the I-864 is paid and the medical exam is paid for, you'll only have the courier fee on the interview day. That's assuming the police certificate has already been paid for, but tha's only 10 GBP in the UK anyway. So all major fees are almost paid for now! :)

Edited by MargotDarko, 18 July 2007 - 03:45 AM.

MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-18 03:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout the Fees

You mentioned medical, so I assume you mean NON-NVC/Embassy costs.

I know with Australia, the Police Certificate /w fingerprints is $142aud, no clue about Britain though.

Apart from that, I think really the only other costs would be travelling o.O


Holy cow, that's expensive! It's only 10 GBP in the UK.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-18 03:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout the Fees

Hey guys,

I've already paid the AOS fee and just submitting the I-864 now. I know we'll have some fees for the medical exam in London. Just wondering if anyone can tell me what other fees we'll have as want to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Cheers!


I think there's a courier fee, but that's something like 13 GBP. Other than that, you shouldn't have to pay anything until removal of conditions if you get CR1 and if you get IR1 nothing until when/if your spouse wants to become a naturalised citizen.

EDIT - I just noticed that your profile says AOS pending. But your timeline shows that you're applying for CR1/IR1. Please clarify. I've also noticed that it says Armenia for the consulate in your timeline.

EDIT AGAIN - Okay, now I'm properly reading your post. You mean you paid the IV fee bill not the AOS fee right?

Edited by MargotDarko, 17 July 2007 - 03:43 AM.

MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-17 03:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureschange K3 to CR1

I have posted on K3 forum before:

We submitted I-130 end of April to NSC and it was forwarded to CSC end of May. So essentially our case was entered into CSC as a May application.
Until last week, we finally received NOA1. Since it is not much helpful to go for K3, we won't submit I-129, while sticking to CR1 now.
I guess some people here had the same story. I wanna ask is it okay that we just not send in I-129 without changing anything so far? or do we need to fax them a notice saying that we want to change to CR1? We put the statement on the I-130 cover letter that we will apply for k3. But now we won't.

The bad thing in Canada now, it takes several months for Montreal consulate to assign an interview date, which takes the procedure even longer.....
Anyway, I have prepared to get to US next summer.... :( Giving it a worst case expectation will make one happier if it actually faster than that.....


The I-130 alone results in a CR1 (immigrant) visa. There is nothing to "change". USCIS has no clue you ever thought about a K3. The I-129F is what tells them of your interest in K3. If you don't file it, the I-130 proceeds.

If you want to change something, change your profile to indicate CR1 instead of K3.

We put the statement on the I-130 cover letter that we will apply for k3. But now we won't.

I'd be a bit concerned they would hold the I-130 at the CSC and not forward it to the NVC.


They won't hold it. They would only hold it if the I-129f was sent in, approved, and forwarded to NVC before the I-130 made it there.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-18 03:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa arrived

I got it, got it , I got it, just now the courier arrived :)


Of course there has to be someting to sour the celebrations

I stupidly left my x-rays at the embassy, I had to submit additonal documents to them last week and in my cover letter requested that they send my x-rays along with my visa, they haven't sent the x-rays, is this likely to be a problem?
Has anyone actually been asked for them at the POE?
I don't want to be worrying about that on my flight, and not knowing if after all this I might get turned back :(, yet I don't know what to do, I cannot seem to get an answer from anyone at the embassy by phone or email, eeek


Sarah


Congratulations! We are sharing in your happiness and you certainly must feel so relieved! hehe

by the way....are x-rays done at the medical? Is that what you're refering to?


Yes, x-rays are done at every medical unless it is a pregnant woman who can do the x-rays after the baby is born.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-19 03:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa arrived

I got it, got it , I got it, just now the courier arrived :)


Of course there has to be someting to sour the celebrations

I stupidly left my x-rays at the embassy, I had to submit additonal documents to them last week and in my cover letter requested that they send my x-rays along with my visa, they haven't sent the x-rays, is this likely to be a problem?
Has anyone actually been asked for them at the POE?
I don't want to be worrying about that on my flight, and not knowing if after all this I might get turned back :(, yet I don't know what to do, I cannot seem to get an answer from anyone at the embassy by phone or email, eeek


Sarah


Yay! That wasn't too much of a delay then. :)

My instinct is to say to just forget about the x-rays. I know that someone was once told they were basically just a souviner!
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-18 09:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOn the CR-I

I can't find the link to this forms, can anyone provide this link for me Please! Thanks!


All the up to date forms...

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-19 03:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Please some one help with this
Is your wife's income included in the figure you've listed as total annual household income in part c of that question? If it isn't, then do not put her name there.

Edited by MargotDarko, 19 July 2007 - 10:02 AM.

MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-19 10:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-864

I started my current job in February 2007 (I was unemployed in January). I have a question regarding Q.23 on the I-864. Is it asking for my earned income (February-July15th) or expected annual income (supported by employer's letter)?

In addition, does the State Department care how much you exceed the 125% poverty guideline? I ran a failed business last year but did file taxes and total income comes out to about $17,500 but I do have a fair amount of cash in the bank. I guess my question is should I still add money in the bank as assets.

Thanks.


They will want to know your expected annual income not just what you've already earned this year. Your current income is the most important factor.

Yes, you should definitely fill out the assets sheet.

From the information you've given, as long as your current income is above the guidelines, I don't see why you would need a joint sponsor for your spouse.

EDIT - However, if you have someone who is more than willing to help, it doesn't hurt to also have the information from a joint sponsor as well as a I-864. A joint sponsor would have to meet the guidelines for their household plus your spouse - not just tack on extra money to your income.

Edited by MargotDarko, 24 July 2007 - 05:06 AM.

MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-24 05:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdcf advice ,due to csc delays
My gut feeling is to say that you shouldn't try this because of the previous complications with your case, especially the AOS denial.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-26 03:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhich I864
As for which forms are needed, it depends.

Your wife will definitely fill out the I-864 and check sponsor.

Does either of her parents' income meet the 125% on its own? Their household number will be themselves, any dependants, plus you. If they have to combine their income to meet the 125% guidelines, one of them will fill out the I-1864 as joint sponsor (including the other's income in the total), and the other will fill out the I-1864A as a household member.

I've never heard of the I-864W and the I-864EZ only applies in situations where the main sponsor earns enough income without any assets or co-sponsors.

Your wife and her parents can request tax transcripts from the IRS for free. They shouldn't take too long to arrive. They will have to show copies of their actual W2s and/or 1099s though for 2006, which the IRS cannot provide.
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-26 03:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresconfused topic..

They don't have time to clear it through NVC before the interview but they still have the choice of going ahead with it, returning to the home country and interviewing for an immigrant visa instead of adjusting status.


Right, but his wife would be given a K3 visa in August, right?


People who enter on a K3 visa can either adjust status while in the US or go home for a CR1 interview and return on the new visa to obtain their green card.

To soni - I think that K3 visa holders can apply for employment authorisation and then apply for a SSN. Perhaps it says in the K3 guide. You might find that's not worth it though as employment authorisation takes about three months and would be granted with the green card anyway. If she can find it though, she can do volunteer work (truly volunteer, not just an unpaid position that would usually be paid).


Correct, both my wife and daughter applied for EAD before filing to adjust status but it does take about three months. See my timeline.

Soni,

It's not over with the visa. Depending on proximity to the home country and/or travel plans, going back to interview for an immigrant visa can be very attractive for some, compared to adjusting status. That $1010 saved can pay a lot of travel expenses.



thanks everyone for providing detail and helpfull ideas. at this point, I have just decided to do AOS here once my wife gets herer on K3. Tickets to fly to india are atleast $1200 minimum..so..and I beleive if I start CR-1 process now, it will atleast take minimum of 5 months..so thats it..!!!



With ticket prices like that, it sounds like you've made the right decision. It also means no more separation during the process. :)
MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-26 10:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresconfused topic..

They don't have time to clear it through NVC before the interview but they still have the choice of going ahead with it, returning to the home country and interviewing for an immigrant visa instead of adjusting status.


Right, but his wife would be given a K3 visa in August, right?


People who enter on a K3 visa can either adjust status while in the US or go home for a CR1 interview and return on the new visa to obtain their green card.

To soni - I think that K3 visa holders can apply for employment authorisation and then apply for a SSN. Perhaps it says in the K3 guide. You might find that's not worth it though as employment authorisation takes about three months and would be granted with the green card anyway. If she can find it though, she can do volunteer work (truly volunteer, not just an unpaid position that would usually be paid).

Edited by MargotDarko, 26 July 2007 - 03:36 AM.

MargotDarkoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-26 03:35:00