ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApplying for a work Visa while in the IR-1 process?
Hi there,

So i am currently in the I-130 stage of the IR-1 Visa, my petition is still at the initial review. Now, I obviously want to get down to the states to be with my husband ASAP. I am wondering if it is possible to apply for a work visa while in the IR-1 process so that I can go live down there with him and work? I know Canadians can stay in the states for 6 months anyway, so I can't see that being an issue...or would this totally mess by the IR-1 Visa? I'm not sure if I have to stay living in Canada through the whole IR-1 process.
I hope that makes sense!

Thank you
tateleeFemaleCanada2012-10-31 13:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresquick question on the DS-230

Canadians don't fill out the 230. You fill out the 260 online.
You should fill in your timeline so we can see what step your at as I can't tell if you're just trying to get ahead or not.
Last I spoke with Saylin, it just asks for the last (5) visits. Which would be any cross over the border, it doesn't matter for how long.


Yes I know I fill out online, but on Saylin's NVC for Montreal filers, it said it was a good idea to have it filled out so that when I do the 260 I have the info and such.
But, thank you! I guess I will just wait until I do the 260...I just got my NOA2, so just waiting to get the NVC case number :) I will update my timeline!
tateleeFemaleCanada2012-12-13 12:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresquick question on the DS-230
The DS-230 asks to list all previous visits or residences to the USA, and to give the type of visa status if know.

I am a border town so I go to see my husband every weekend, do I need to list every single time I have gone down there just for the weekend?!
Or is it more for extended trips, where people get some sort of visa to be able to stay awhile in the US?

Thanks guys!
tateleeFemaleCanada2012-12-13 11:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresis CIS # the same as case #?
Thanks!
tateleeFemaleCanada2012-12-17 11:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresis CIS # the same as case #?
I'm getting ready to call NVC today for the first time! I read that I will need to know my CIS #? Is that my case #? I'm confused. Thanks!
tateleeFemaleCanada2012-12-17 11:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdoes anyone know why the NVC operators arent available?
Just called NVC for my first time and it says customer service is not available at this time. I just googled hours of operation and they should be open...any ideas?? Thanks!
tateleeFemaleCanada2012-12-17 11:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduressalary on I864?
My husband is trying to fill out the I864 and get all the supporting documents. He got an employment letter but they said they could only put what he earns per hour. They couldn't give a yearly salary as he is paid by the hour so if he is sick, takes a shift, works overtime etc it will change. So, what do we put for the salary on this form? Just his $/hr amount? Thanks!!
tateleeFemaleCanada2012-12-31 11:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC is currently entering my case-how long to wait to call again?
Just wondering if there was a usual time frame that it takes for NVC to enter the case into their system? They told me they were doing this when I called this morning. Does it only take a few hours and I can call back later today, or tomorrow? or does it take awhile, so I shouldn't bother calling and being on hold forever for a few days?

Thanks!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-08 10:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot NVC case # and sent optin email- do I need to call NVC again?

Glad you're reading it Posted Image And glad it has been so helpful :)

I answered your question on your other thread ;)


Haha...guess im going a bit crazy with posts, but thank you!! :)
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-09 12:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot NVC case # and sent optin email- do I need to call NVC again?

That message is completely normal when your case is first assigned a number. It will disappear soon, just be patient.

And the DS-260 form only becomes available after the IV bill is processed and accepted. The DS-261 should be available as soon as you can log in.

Also, keep in mind, online forms and EP are two completely different processes. Online forms are required at Montreal, EP is still optional. You need to sign up for EP. Have you read the wiki I wrote yet about online forms and EP? It's linked in my signature.



Ya, that is the wiki I am going off of! :) It has been so helpful! I just sent in my optin email exactly as you described in the wiki and got the auto response. Do I need to call NVC now to make sure that we are opted in? Or will they email me back or .. ?
Thanks for the help!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-09 11:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot NVC case # and sent optin email- do I need to call NVC again?

I got that message initially as well. It wasn't available until the next day.

Did you provide your email address on the phone so you can optin for EP?


Yup, for both me and my husband :)
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-09 11:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot NVC case # and sent optin email- do I need to call NVC again?
I literally just got my case # and all the ID #s this morning and just tried to sign into the DS261 portal to fill out the online form (I am doing EP in Montreal) and I got a message that said :

Please be advised that the case that you have attempted to access is not eligible for further processing by the National Visa Center at this time. Please contact the National Visa Center if you believe that you have received this message in error.

What does this mean? Will the online forms eventually just appear and this message will go away or is something wrong??
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-09 11:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot NVC case # and sent optin email- do I need to call NVC again?
Hi guys,
I just sent my optin e-mail in and got the auto response. Do I need to keep calling NVC everyday to make sure they got my email and that we are now doing OP? Or, will they contact me via e-mail when they receive it?

Also, I tried to click a link the DS261 portal and it keeps saying "you have encountered an application error, please try again later." is that normal, and I should try again later? Or, is there a different link to this portal someone could provide for me?

Thanks!!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-09 11:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPayment portal saying I can't make payments at this time?

It will take a few days for them to post the information. If you take a look at my signature you can get a sense of timing lately.


Thanks! That really helped! I will still keep checking a million times a day though :)
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-10 11:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPayment portal saying I can't make payments at this time?
Just tried to sign into the payment portal and it says I can not make payments for my case at this time? I just got my case # yesterday...is this normal, or should I call NVC?

Thanks!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-10 11:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdo i have to wait for OPTIN to ep email response to send packages?
Hi. I am doing EP in Montreal. Once I pay all my bills and such and am ready to send in my scanned packages, can I send them regardless of if NVC has sent the response to my OPTIN email? Or do I need to wait to receive that?

Thanks!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-09 21:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresScanning passport pics for EP?

It's in the "Scanning" section!



Found it! Wasn't reading far ahead enough..Thank you muchly! :)
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-10 18:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresScanning passport pics for EP?

I explained in my wiki how to scan the two passport photos for the IV package when doing EP :)


I must be blind, cause I read your wiki like everyday and couldn't see it!
But I will go back and re-read...thank you so much!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-10 17:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresScanning passport pics for EP?
I am just wondering how we do this? We need to photocopy 2 copies right? and back AND FRONT? also, do we need to tape them to paper so there is a backing when scanned? or literally just put the picture on the scanner and go? Can you do both pictures at the same time?

Sorry, so many questions...that is just the one thing I don't understand!

Thanks
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-10 16:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLittle confused on IV bill, and checklists (EP)

The IV bill is only invoiced after the acceptance of the Choice of Agent form. Have you called NVC yet to see if they've accepted your DS-261?



Oh I just got the e-mail that it has been accepted! Yay! Thanks!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-18 11:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLittle confused on IV bill, and checklists (EP)
Hi guys!
I am doing EP and my AOS bill appeared as paid a week ago. However, my IV bill still hasn't even been invoiced?? I did the choice of agent form a week ago as well.
Is this common? I figured the 2 bills would become available at relatively the same time!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-17 22:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLittle confused on IV bill, and checklists (EP)

Since you have submitted it, then the answer to your original question is that it will invoice soon. It's normal and not a problem.


Great! Thanks :)
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-14 12:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLittle confused on IV bill, and checklists (EP)

Answers:

1. Have you submitted the D-261 yet? the IV bill will not be invoiced until the DS-261 has been processed.

2. If a checklist is generated, the NVC will email you.


1) Yes I have, I sent it in last wednesday.
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-14 11:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLittle confused on IV bill, and checklists (EP)
Hey guys, 2 quick questions
1)My AOS bill became available last Thursday so I paid it, and it appeared as paid the next day. But, my IV bill still isn't available...and it doesn't even just appear as "not invoiced." It just says applicant name and Date of birth with no info after that (my name and DOB don't appear.) and it says fee:0.00$. Is that normal and it will become invoiced soon? Or is that a problem?

2)I emailed my AOS package to the NVC yesterday! Do I need to be calling the operator to make sure I don't get checklists? Or do they notify me? Thanks!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-14 11:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-260 mothers surnames?
Do you put just your moms current surname if she doesn't use her maiden name anymore? Or do you have to list both married and maiden surnames?
Thanks!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-22 13:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSent in all the documents!! How long to wait to start calling NVC for case complete?

I know some folks here suggest calling every day to make sure you don't have a checklist. If you want to call every day feel free. But for me it was only 4 days (more like 3 since it was sent after hours) between my IV supporting docs being received and the email letting us know we had checklists (though 2 were false).

I myself have decided to not call in every day since they have been communicating very quickly in my opinion. I've made a decision to be patient and be pleasantly surprised when the next emails arrive. I'm not NOT being proactive. I'm just choosing to not fret each day as I was in the first stage. With that said, if I don't hear something by this time next week then I will indeed call because we have responded to a checklist and the item was just "received" today according to the email I got a few minutes ago.


That makes sense! I think I will call everyday though, just because I'm obsessive like that. How do you know if you get a false checklist? I'm assuming you just called NVC and they told you?
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-23 11:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSent in all the documents!! How long to wait to start calling NVC for case complete?

Did you get an email yet to say your items have been received? I don't mean the automated message that comes after you send something but an actual email from someone saying the AOS items have been received and allow up to 20 days for them to be reviewed? You will get that for each of the submissions. I'm just a few days ahead of you so take a look at my signature below to see what has gone on for us.


I got the email that my AOS package was received last week, but I haven't received one about IV, as I just sent it last night. But I was thinking I should start calling everyday anyway to make sure I don't have any checklists?? Thanks!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-23 11:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSent in all the documents!! How long to wait to start calling NVC for case complete?
Hi guys!
I just sent in my IV package (AOS sent one week ago) yesterday! I am doing EP.....Just wondering how soon I can start calling NVC to see when my case is complete? I read a few things that said it could even be completed within a week!

Thanks!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-23 11:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSo confused- when I call NVC operator I can't tell if they received my IV pacakge?

Yup, once the DS-260 and the IV package have both been reviewed and accepted, they'll close your case. You should receive an email of case complete (since you're in EP) and then your case will be put in the queue for an interview date to be scheduled.


great! Thanks! I am really hoping for a case complete this week! :)
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-28 11:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSo confused- when I call NVC operator I can't tell if they received my IV pacakge?

*DS-260

And it won't show up in their system until the review has begun (both on the package as well as the DS-260). Keep calling once a day and asking. It should be reviewed this week, if not, early next week.


Whoops...fixed.

Ok great, and then once it is reviewed (assuming its all good) the case should be complete right? They told me that my AOS package was all good.
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-28 11:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSo confused- when I call NVC operator I can't tell if they received my IV pacakge?
Ok, so I am doing EP and I sent in my AOS package 2 ish weeks ago and they have received that. I e-mailed my IV package in about a week ago and did the DS-260 online. I got the e-mail 2 days after saying that they had received the supporting documents for my DS-260. But, when I call the operator they say it looks like they are just waiting to receive them? Since I did get the email that they had in fact received them, should I be worried? Do I need to re-send them? Or is it just because they haven't been reviewed yet that they are not showing up for the operator?

Thanks!

Edited by tatelee, 28 January 2013 - 11:10 AM.

tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-28 11:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescase closed but i just got a checklist??

Nope, if you sent them, then you're good to go! Call to confirm when you have the chance just to be 100% sure though. They're still open for another 3 hours, don't forget ;)


Oh man I thought they closed like 3 hours ago! Thank you! I'm on the phone now! :)
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-31 20:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescase closed but i just got a checklist??

First off, did you send them the scanned photos in the IV package?

I know lately that NVC has been issuing checklists for photos for EP cases, but it's just a reminder to bring the photos to the interview.

And as with any checklists, there's always a delay between them being generated and you receiving them. That checklist you received was probably generated yesterday or even earlier, some time before your case was closed.

If in doubt, call up NVC and ask them. They're the best source to help you out with your case.


Yep, I sent the scanned photos! So, it sounds like I shouldn't worry eh? I mean, I will definitely call NVC tomorrow morning....but now I will be stressing out all night!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-31 20:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescase closed but i just got a checklist??
So I called NVC today and they told me my case was closed and in line for an interview! So I was so excited!! But I just got an email (I'm in EP) that is a checklist requesting my photos for the DS-260 supporting documents. What do I do? Is my case not closed suddenly? Do i need to respond to this?? Thanks!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-01-31 18:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to change name after interview?

I got mine 3 days before our interview. The interviewer made a joke about it but otherwise it was fine.

You'll be getting a whole new passport. I also suggest you do your licence as well, as if you move to a state where you can simply change over your licence to a US one, you'll want that one in your new name as well

good luck


Thanks everyone! I am off to the licensing place today to get that done, as I need it to get a new passport in my new name anyway. You guys are so great!! :)
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-02-18 13:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to change name after interview?

If your documents are in your maiden name, then the visa (and thus green card) will be in your maiden name. You don't get a US passport at this point until you become a citizen. And the SIN is Canadian. You get a SSN in the US, and that comes in the same name as your visa and green card.

If you want your visa (and thus green card and SSN) in your married name, you'll need to get a new passport pronto. You'll have to apply in person asap and bring all the necessary documents. You might have to get it expedited if your interview is in 3 weeks, depending on current passport processing times.

And for IR-1/CR-1 visa applicants, you don't do AOS (Adjustment of Status). You're thinking about ROC (Removal of Conditions) I believe. And yes, you'd be able to get your new 10 year green card at that point in your married name if you put your married name down on the I-751 form. You'd also have the chance to change your name when/if you apply for Naturalization.

It's up to you...


Also, do I need to apply for a whole new passport? Or just renew mine?
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-02-18 13:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to change name after interview?

If your documents are in your maiden name, then the visa (and thus green card) will be in your maiden name. You don't get a US passport at this point until you become a citizen. And the SIN is Canadian. You get a SSN in the US, and that comes in the same name as your visa and green card.

If you want your visa (and thus green card and SSN) in your married name, you'll need to get a new passport pronto. You'll have to apply in person asap and bring all the necessary documents. You might have to get it expedited if your interview is in 3 weeks, depending on current passport processing times.

And for IR-1/CR-1 visa applicants, you don't do AOS (Adjustment of Status). You're thinking about ROC (Removal of Conditions) I believe. And yes, you'd be able to get your new 10 year green card at that point in your married name if you put your married name down on the I-751 form. You'd also have the chance to change your name when/if you apply for Naturalization.

It's up to you...


If i get a new passport pronto will it be ok for the interview? Since i sent them the one in the Maiden name? Would it affect my interview being approved or anything??
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-02-18 13:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to change name after interview?
Hey guys!

I have my interview in Montreal coming up super quick, on March 11! I am so excited! But, I am wondering, since I applied for everything under my maiden name, will all my new documents (passport, SIN number etc) be in my maiden name? I really want to legally change my name and have all my documents as much, so how do I go about doing that? I've heard it's better to just wait until the 2 years are up and you file for AOS, but I would really like to do it now!

Thanks!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-02-18 12:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIf I did EP, do I need to bring 2 passport pics to the interview?

You have to bring the 2 photos. Don't you have the ones you scanned to send?

You will receive a checklist saying that you need to bring original photos to the interview. You will also need 3 of them for your medical so you might want to just do them all now.


I already got my medical done and I only needed 1 pic....of which I used one from the 2 that I scanned to send.
So...I figure I should be getting 2 more done to bring, correct?
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-02-20 16:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIf I did EP, do I need to bring 2 passport pics to the interview?
I am just confused as to if I should go out and get new passport pictures for this, or if it is ok as I scanned them and they received them?

Thanks!
tateleeFemaleCanada2013-02-20 11:11:00