ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSenators / Representatives
Domenici isn't running again because he's completely senile. you might try Bingaman. How did they know that he didn't vote in NM last election-there's no record of who actually votes. He should call Bingaman's office and ask to talk to the assistant that deals with immigration issues. Be careful about asking too many congressional people for help at the same time. Someone else on VJ had a problem because she contacted her congressman and one of her senators at the same time. both offices said the other one was helping her so they couldn't.

he should be polite but persistant. if he can't get the immigration LA on the phone, he should at least get their name and personal email info. I generally think that calling a senator is a better idea than congressperson because of the differences in staff sizes between the Senate and House. Call the Bingaman's office in Sante Fe or ABQ-where ever it is-rather than the office in DC
thermophileNot TellingCanada2007-12-12 17:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp about DS-3032, DS-230 ? please
QUOTE (franki @ Dec 14 2007, 07:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (thermophile @ Dec 14 2007, 11:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (franki @ Dec 14 2007, 07:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
can somone help and give us more information about the DS-3032 choice of agent, we will not pick an agent, we need just to know which address should we use, US address or in my counrty address? and also when should we pay ($335.00) for the Form DS-230? at the NVC process time, or during the consulate interview?
and thanks


someone has to be the agent: the USC, the sponsored person, or someone else. it doesn't really matter who, but someone has to be the person that receives the correspondence from the consulate.

Nothing else will be processed until you pay the IV bill-send it to the address on the form



thanks but what is the IV bill?


everything in this process has more than one name just to make it especially confusing. IV bill=DS230=immigrant visa bill

Edited by thermophile, 14 December 2007 - 06:53 PM.

thermophileNot TellingCanada2007-12-14 18:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp about DS-3032, DS-230 ? please
QUOTE (franki @ Dec 14 2007, 07:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
can somone help and give us more information about the DS-3032 choice of agent, we will not pick an agent, we need just to know which address should we use, US address or in my counrty address? and also when should we pay ($335.00) for the Form DS-230? at the NVC process time, or during the consulate interview?
and thanks


someone has to be the agent: the USC, the sponsored person, or someone else. it doesn't really matter who, but someone has to be the person that receives the correspondence from the consulate.

Nothing else will be processed until you pay the IV bill-send it to the address on the form
thermophileNot TellingCanada2007-12-14 18:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOVER DUE NOA 1
has the check been cashed yet?
thermophileNot TellingCanada2007-12-16 12:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I accept a foreign assignment while holding a CR1 visa?
that's what I'm hoping too. you're wife won't be eligible for citizenship by then? (if China even allows duals, I don't know) As painfully slow as I'm progressing through grad school we probably won't be ready to move back to Canada till after we've been here long enough for the hubby to get US citizenship-should he decide to do so.
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-02 20:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I accept a foreign assignment while holding a CR1 visa?
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jan 2 2008, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Remain outside of the US for more than one year without obtaining a reentry permit or returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.
Remain outside of the US for more than two years after issuance of a reentry permit without obtaining a returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.



yeah yeah I could have googled, but I was wondering if you had knowledge of some list other than this one. I find the 2 above statements really vague. so it could be one year or it could be less and you're out of status. or it could be 2 years or it could be less. really annoying vagueness. Canada (the only other country that I have experience with) specifically states that you must live in Canada 3 out of every 5 years. Fortunately for those of us that are married to Canadian citizens, the time that we live with them counts as time in Canada. Anyway, I find the vagueness of the US guidelines disconcerting
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-02 20:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I accept a foreign assignment while holding a CR1 visa?
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jan 2 2008, 05:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (thermophile @ Jan 2 2008, 12:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
unfortunately the US guidelines are that you loose your status if you abandon your residency in the US (not sure what the exact wording is). Basically it means that as soon as an immigration officer determines that you've abandoned your residency your green card is taken away from you. there aren't any guidelines as to how long you have to be out of the country to be considered abandoning your residency. If they determined that you abandoned your residency, you'd have to go through the whole visa process again if you wanted to come back to the US. sucks, I agree


There definitely are guidelines but they are guidelines, not rules. An immigration officer may determine you've abandoned your residency even though you've followed the guidelines. They would have a "reason" but am not aware of any specific list of acceptable "reasons". Driver license, lapsing combined with no bank account or domicile might do it.


would you mind posting a link to those guidelines. I've only ever seen the very vague "abandoning residence" I'd love to see something that details what that means
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-02 17:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I accept a foreign assignment while holding a CR1 visa?
unfortunately the US guidelines are that you loose your status if you abandon your residency in the US (not sure what the exact wording is). Basically it means that as soon as an immigration officer determines that you've abandoned your residency your green card is taken away from you. there aren't any guidelines as to how long you have to be out of the country to be considered abandoning your residency. If they determined that you abandoned your residency, you'd have to go through the whole visa process again if you wanted to come back to the US. sucks, I agree
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-02 15:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSenator helping
QUOTE (Dylan @ Jan 10 2008, 02:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Re-reading your post and the A given, I am now on the same track as you. The right one smile.gif


I knew we'd get there. I used to be one of those federal grunts (not uscis)-I guarantee that I was never allowed within a timezone of anyone remotely Congressional
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-10 03:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSenator helping
QUOTE (Dylan @ Jan 10 2008, 12:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Each Service Center has a special office to handle "Congressionals". That’s their sole purpose in life is to keep the member of Congress informed upon request.


your quote says the same thing that I said. it's a special office that deals with inquiries, an inquiry doesn't pull an adjudicator off of active cases.

I'd guess that the "pull and work file immediately" part of your quote refers to cases that are actually behind where they are supposed to be. When we hadn't gotten our NOA1 in nearly 5 months (back then NE was getting NOA1s out in 2-3 months), my senator was able to track it down. and I got the NOA1 in a week or so. However if I had contacted my senator earlier, they would have been told by USCIS that our timeline was within bounds and nothing else would have happened. But at least one of my senator's aids would have had yet another "constituent unhappy about immigration" tick in their tracking of what their constituents are thinking about.
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-10 00:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSenator helping
the people in USCIS that are actually opening and looking through files are completely different people than those that deal with Congressional inquiries. Federal agencies have dedicated personnel who interact with Congress and they're not going to pick up an application or two if somehow they suddenly have no Senator's to get information for. More inquiries will either have no effect or could push fixing this ridiculous process up a notch or two on the list of things for the current Congress to work on.
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-09 21:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSenator helping
The number on the back of the canceled check (if you can make it out) can help your senator trace your application. It's been too long for me to remember exactly what number that is, but it can help.

I think that people on VJ get upset when someone says that they are asking their senator for help because they are under the impression that that will somehow jump the asker to the front of whatever line they're in. That is not true, if you're within "normal" processing times your senator will do nothing. However, I think that all of the USC's that get annoyed at the wait time should contact their senators and congresspeople -not to help out a specific application, but because unhappy constituents are the best way to get Congress to look into an issue. So please, everyone who has been separated from your family for months/years, write or call you representatives. Lets continue drawing attention to the fact that US citizens have to wait years to live with their family.
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-09 20:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife to visit the United States while waiting for visa
visiting isn't forbidden, but it does seem to be very country specific. Canadians seem to have very little problem, but some countries don't seem to be able to visit ever. Call the consulate in Tokyo and ask.
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-28 17:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife to visit the United States while waiting for visa
does she have a lease or own her apt/house? some people have used proof of property as ties to their country
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-27 21:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMUMPS??
sorry I thought that mumps was a killed vaccine-the others were right it is a weakened virus. so yup he probably got mumps from the vaccine, but it should be a short infection. Given that he's an adult he should see his dr if possible to be monitored for any complications.
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-30 18:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMUMPS??
he must have been infected before he got the shot
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-30 17:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Can a Co-Sponsor be re-used?
F. is any other people. since the daughter and wife are included C. and D. you wouldn't count them again in F.
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-30 18:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Can a Co-Sponsor be re-used?
if you have the version of the form that requires notarization, you have the old version. go get the most recent form from the USCIS
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-24 19:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Can a Co-Sponsor be re-used?
look at the poverty guidelines for 5 people (brother+wife+2 kids+your wife). As long as he makes more than that, he can cosponsor your wife
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-01-24 17:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresis it normal to get 2 I-797c welcome letters ???
yeah my hubby got 2 also, I think they had the same day. the second arrived the day after his gc. USCIS just wants you to know that you are really really welcome
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-02-03 16:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresState tax
it really depends on your state. you should call the dept. that's responsible for taxation in your state.
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-02-05 19:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWTH
this is a constant appropriation issue. Right now the only politicians that are even talking about immigration (and there really aren't that many of them) are generally in the "lock them out and toss the rest in prison" camp and not actually talking about real immigration issues that could be leading to the influx of illegal migrants such as the unreasonably long waits for visas. (yes I know that there are some that would come illegally reguardless of the waits but we can't fix those problems right now, economic disparity etc.)

So, everyone that is tired of the wait should at least email your congressperson and senators and let them know that they have constituents who are concerned about fixing the legal immigration system. A significant portion of the system could be sped up with just a few procedural changes and just a little bit of money. This is the season for federal budget allocation, let the people representing you know that you think they should increase funding for USCIS. No one person can change much, but there are thousands of people on VJ if even 10% actually contacted their representatives some things could change.
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-02-09 14:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview question about Marriage Movie
QUOTE (garya505 @ Feb 7 2008, 05:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We didn't get a movie of out wedding ceremony, but we got some video of our wedding night. I sent that in with our AOS papers. Was that a bad idea?



hee hee this nearly made me spit coffee on my screen. especially because of the pic of your little baby. I think it was a brilliant idea
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-02-08 09:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about 2007 taxes while having spouse under CR1
call your bank and ask. I never had any issue with my bank accepting the direct deposit with both our names, but maybe your's would. you have to ask to find out.
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-02-11 21:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about 2007 taxes while having spouse under CR1
QUOTE (jimandjosil @ Feb 6 2008, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Did u file married filing jointly or separate? I dont have any income at all so I cannot declare anything I am here in the Philippines and my petition is ongoing, but my husband wants to file his taxes as married filing separate. He went to H and R block for some advice and was asked to submit W7 form and copy of passport from me and my daughter (his stepchild) . They didn't mention for the refund to be withheld until after I get there and we don't want that to happen since we hope to use the refund to buy his tickets soon. Any comments? Thanks.

Is it possible that we get the refund right away if Married filing separate?
I have not worked since Jan. 2007, does that hold any ground or none at all?


He should still try running the numbers married filing jointly just to see if he will get a larger refund that way. I never had any problem getting my refund, it may be bank specific. I've always done direct deposit. Remember that you can't e-file if you are using the 2555, so the processing of his return will probably take longer
thermophileNot TellingCanada2008-02-06 12:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2010 Filers - California Service Center

Hey All !

Please excuse my french ( no offense meant to any French folks ! ) but " HOT DAMNNNN !!!!!!!!! " received an email today that said Approval Notice mailed on March 4 2010 !!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

WOW ! that's 34 days since the post office delivered the packet until approval !!!!! CSC is moving them out !

To all who are waiting ..... very Best Wishes !!! It WILL HAPPEN SOON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

p.s. I've been reading and posting to both January and February filers seeing as the packet was received 29 January and the NOA1 date is 1 February ... apologies for the duplicate post.


Wow, so happy for you. Your NOA1 date is quite close to mine. Hope we will get it soon :)
CQ & CSFemaleCanada2010-03-06 19:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2010 Filers - California Service Center

:D :D :D I HEAR THAT !!!!!

Quick question ...... being the computer genius that I am ( NOT ! ) ........ how do you guys get your timelines to pop up whenever you post something ? Is there some button, icon, next page to go to that I have not seen,double-clicked on or cussed at ????


I guess you mean the timeline that we list at the end of our reply?! It a signature that you can add from My Controls (if i did not remember it wrongly)

That is why I am leaving in six days to go visit my fiancee. I miss her and when we meet we are going to be peeling back a lot of gift wrap. I can tell you that for sure. :lol:


Looks like we have very similar timeline. Good luck :)
CQ & CSFemaleCanada2010-03-04 17:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2010 Filers - California Service Center

That is why I am leaving in six days to go visit my fiancee. I miss her and when we meet we are going to be peeling back a lot of gift wrap. I can tell you that for sure. :lol:


I wish I could visit my fiance too but I was denied at POE before and they want me to stay out of their country for 6 months :angry: Hope the NOA2 arrive soon
CQ & CSFemaleCanada2010-03-04 17:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2010 Filers - California Service Center

I think according to Igor's List under immigration timelines, Ljuba and Warren have alread been approved.
Their info:
Service Center: CSC
NOA1: Feb 3, 2010
NOA2: Feb 24, 2010
Approval time was 21 days.

Igor's list
http://www.visajourn...l...=1&sortby=2

Ljuba and Warren;s timeline:
http://www.visajourn...le.php?id=73740

I am happy for them. I am depressed for myself and my fiancee.


Wow that was quick. Our NOA 1 was dated Feb 5 but sure enough we are not as lucky as them. Very happy for them to get NOA2 so quick. Waiting is just a PITA!
CQ & CSFemaleCanada2010-03-03 16:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2010 Filers - California Service Center
Just sent I-129F on Feb 2 to California. No NOA1 yet.
CQ & CSFemaleCanada2010-02-07 02:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI am over the moon- Sept NOA2 approval!
By the way, you are too over the moon. There are still Packet 3 and Packet 4 before interview. :P
CQ & CSFemaleCanada2011-04-04 22:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI am over the moon- Sept NOA2 approval!
Congrats Vancouver-er :dance:
CQ & CSFemaleCanada2011-04-04 22:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaDriver's License Question
Ya agree. In Califorina, you need to take written and driving test.
CQ & CSFemaleCanada2011-04-02 22:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS
I think it does not hurt to include them if you have them.
CQ & CSFemaleCanada2011-04-04 18:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhich one?

How long have you been in Canada. I think there is another route called DCF if both of you are living overseas. Take a look at this link: http://www.visajourney.com/content/dcf


If you are together in Canada and you can legally stay there till 2013, then go for spouse visa or DCF (if you are eligible). K-1 is more expensive but faster for couples who are apart. Also, he will need to AOS if he enters US under K1 and not been able to work until he gets his EAD or GC; it could take at least 2-3 months.

Plus, you have more time to plan a wedding in Canada rather than rushing to get married in 3 months upon arrival the USA.
CQ & CSFemaleCanada2011-06-12 13:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhich one?
How long have you been in Canada. I think there is another route called DCF if both of you are living overseas. Take a look at this link: http://www.visajourney.com/content/dcf
CQ & CSFemaleCanada2011-06-12 13:13:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhat do you miss most about ur other half?
I miss my hubby and our jokes with each other.. I missing cooking for him and to see his satisfied look when I make something yummy.. I miss taking care of my baby! Now he has to take care of theentire house by himself! Maybe now he'll realize how hard I work when I was there! heheh
I miss hanging out with him.. watching tv with him... chilling with him.. playing with the cat with him.. I miss our everything!! ahhhh
Our MaoFemale02006-09-05 12:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG - Unbelievable -- I130 Approved !!!!
Congratulations!! I have a silly question.... since I did the same thing (filed I-130 and then I-129F for K3), IF my I-130 gets approved before the K-3, should I abandon the K3?

I've came across James' shortcuts numberous times in different forums. Are the shortcuts only applicable to the I-130? Please advise.

Thanks!!
Our MaoFemale02006-09-12 18:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Approved !
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Our MaoFemale02006-11-03 18:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase completed today!!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Our MaoFemale02006-11-03 18:15:00