ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresjoint sponsorship

when the petitioner does not meet the minimum income requirements a joint sponsor is needed

For CR-1'ers, isn't that all taken care of at the NVC stage of the process?
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-18 12:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresjoint sponsorship

if she needs a co-sponsor the visa was not approved

He's talking like his wife's visa was approved, but I think he's simply using the wrong terminology. He probably wants to cancel his petition.

I'm wondering how their case even got to the Embassy level without a joint sponsor.

Edited by Tahoma, 18 May 2012 - 12:33 PM.

TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-18 12:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresjoint sponsorship
Did the consular officer approve your wife for a visa?
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-05-18 12:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPictures for evidence (US Embassy Manil)
No worries...you are good to go...enjoy your remaining time in 'Pinas. :yes: :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-06-15 11:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIve tried this post b4 but people just cut me down and were unhelpful:(

:yes: :yes: :yes: super agree @Tahoma :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:

Thanks, hcdt. :)

reginakrys posted great information.

reginakrys...a BIG +1... :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-06-25 02:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIve tried this post b4 but people just cut me down and were unhelpful:(

2. She currently does not have a passport. She applied for one but they denied her because she still needs to go and attend a seminar. I'm trying to avoid sending her to Manila many times for different reasons as she lives in mindanao. Does she have to get her passport before the interview?

Yes, your wife needs to get her passport before the medical and the interview. In order to get a passport, she will need to complete the CFO seminar. The DFA requires those who want a passport, who are married to foreigners, and who are using the foreigner's name as their married name, to submit a CFO certificate of completion along with the other requirements.

She can complete the CFO seminar in Cebu or in Manila.

3.I heard the medical exam takes 3 days sometimes, so i have to put her up in a hotel for a week so she can attend this seminar and doctor's appointment?

Your wife will not be attending the CFO seminar and completing her medical at St. Lukes during the same trip to Manila. She won't be able to complete the medical until she has her passport, and she won't have her passport until she completes the CFO seminar.

Usually the medical exam takes two days. Some people get it done in one day. However, if your fiancé's x-ray shows anything suspicious, she will be required to undergo a three-day sputum collection so that St. Lukes can perform TB smear tests and a TB culture. That may necessitate her staying in Manila another week or so because the sputum collection is usually scheduled some days after the medical.

4. I know there is a fee for the examination. Is it a flat rate? What if she does need vaccinations? Is that extra? If the baby is born by then, will it too need an examination and vaccinations?

Yes, the St. Lukes medical exam is a flat rate. Those who are 15 years old or older pay $223. Those who are under 15 years old pay $185. Vaccinations are included in the fee. However, there are additional fees if she is required to undergo a psychological evaluation or a psychological exam.

I don't know whether the baby would have to undergo the medical exam and the vaccinations, but I would think so.

5. My grandpa said he will be a joint sponsor for me. Does he have to make enough money to support himself, his wife, one of his kids, as well as my wife?

Yes, your grandpa has to have enough income to support his household and to support your wife too. Click here if you want to see the chart the government uses to calculate the income needed.

5. My grandpa who said he would be a joint sponsor lives in texas, i live in michigan, is he still allowed to joint sponsor with me?

Yes.

9. When she takes her medical exam before her interview, what must she do if she is still pregnant? What must she do if she has had the kid already?

If she's pregnant during the medical, St. Lukes won't have do a pregnancy test. When they give her a chest x-ray, they will use a lead apron to shield the child from the x-rays. Also, she won't be given any vaccinations except for the flu shot if it's flu season.

11. Does a joint sponsor need to be witnessed by a notary public that it was indeed them who signed and completed all the forms and documentaion in the I-864 joint support packet?

No.

12. On my grandpas I-864 form, when it asks the number of family members in his household, does he put his household only, his household + my household, or my household?

I'm not sure about it, but I believe he counts himself, your wife, anyone he declared on his tax return, and any of his unmarried children under 21 years old.

14. What vaccinations are needed to enter the U.S. from the Philippines? If she's pregnant still when she goes to get any vaccinations that she doesn't already have, what will they do? Will they make her wait to come to America until after the baby's born and a Birth abroad form is completed?

Most people get a varicella shot, a TDap shot, and an MMR shot. If it's flu season, they will get a flu shot too. If she's pregnant, they will only give her a flu shot. She will still get her visa and be allowed to go to the U.S. She can simply get the needed shots in the U.S.

18.My wife doesn't have her passport yet. She has everything ready but she must attend a seminar in manila before they will give her one. Will this be a problem at the interview?

No problem. She needs to complete the seminar and get the passport as soon as she can because she will need it for her medical.

19.Will her being pregnant be a problem at the interview?

Not unless she pops during her interview! :o

20.I heard they are super picky at the interview, im not understanding how they can deny her if she is married to me and we have a kid on the way? What can they possibly hold her on?

Where did you hear that they are super picky at a spousal visa interview? I think it's quite the opposite if you follow the simple directions in preparing for the interview.

21.Where will this interview be taking place? Can it take place in southern Mindanao at some governmental office or do i have to fly her to Manila again!?

All interviews take place at the U.S. Embassy Manila, which is located in...drum roll...Manila!!!

She doesn't have to fly. It's less expensive to go by ship.

23.If the baby is born before the interview, are the going to deny her and wonder why they were not told about it?

Nope.

25.Can she get the baby's passport from where she lives in the Philippines or does she have to go all the way back to Manila?

I'm guessing that she can do that locally, but some places in the Philippines seem to be much slower than others when it comes to getting a passport. Hopefully, some of our wonderful Filipinas on this board will chime in.

27.Do i need to be present during the interview? Because i live in michigan.

Only if you want to increase your chances of success.


TahomaMalePhilippines2012-06-24 13:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI know the answers but i want to make sure

Wouldnt that be the smartest thing? I dont get what they are going to send me anyway, im just sending the Ds-320 thing and the I-864 form with a co sponsor thing.

Hmmm...Someone did not read the flow chart. :whistle:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-06-24 18:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswe need help
I believe the information you are looking for is here.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-07 00:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed Advice Petitioning My Wife
I think it would be a longshot for your wife to get a tourist visa to the U.S. That's because the American Consulate operates on the principle that Filipinos won't leave the U.S. when their tourist visa expires. The fact that she's married to a U.S. citizen makes the situation worse. She would have to prove to the Consulate that she had exceptionally strong ties to Canada/Philippines which would convince them that she would leave the U.S. in a timely manner.

As for filing an I-130 now, I don't know whether it would complicate things regarding her application for Canadian residency. Why would she want Canadian residency if she's on a path to U.S. citizenship with an I-130?
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-09 17:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow regester marriage certificate in America
The OP's marriage certificate is already in English. That's the way 'Pinas rolls.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-14 13:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow regester marriage certificate in America
No city, county, or state in the U.S. will have a record of your Filipino marriage certificate. Also, you won't be able to get a copy of your marriage certificate from the USCIS. You should get a few copies of your marriage certificate from the NSO before you come to the U.S. You do not need to register your marriage certificate in the U.S. However, you may need it for other things.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-14 12:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC stage
She won't be able to board a flight to the U.S. without a CFO sticker affixed to her passport.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-17 02:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduressuccesful medical exam but...
For most people, the medical is two days. If St. Lukes is not busy and you go early, you might get done in one day.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-23 10:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduressuccesful medical exam but...
Chinook was a K-1'er. She got the usual shots at St. Lukes...TDap, MMR, Varicella, and flu.

She did not have to get any follow-up shots here in the U.S.

I don't know why one poster said she got a Hepatitis B shot at St. Lukes. I've never heard of St. Lukes giving anyone a Hepatitis B shot.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-07-23 01:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshopefully :(
Kaibigan...

Pile-of-paperwork #1: The pile-of-paperwork that contains the original documents. Hubby sends pile-of-paperwork #1 to the USCIS.

Pile-of-paperwork #2: A photocopy of pile-of-paperwork #1. Hubby sends pile-of-paperwork of paper #2 to you.

Pile-of-paperwork #3: Also a photocopy of pile-of-paperwork #1. Hubby keeps pile-of-paperwork #3 in his files in case pile-of-paperwork #1 or pile-of-paperwork #2 gets lost.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-08-02 10:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPreparing for Interview
Always have copies of everything. You might need them.

The U.S. Embassy Manila lost some of our documents after Chinook's interview, and they asked Chinook to submit copies of the lost documents. She did so.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-08-06 11:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdays pregnant & still waiting for the NOA2

thank you for your reply.. what if i still dont have the baby during the interview?i mean im still pregnant during my interview? i sure be 4 or 5 months if ill be having my interview... what should i do? and how about my medical exam?

If you are pregnant at the time of your interview, you don't need to do anything, just go to your interview, that's all.

You won't have any problem with your medical either. St. Lukes will wrap your baby in a lead apron while they take your chest x-ray.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-08-11 10:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Visa

As far as I know 6 months from the medical

:thumbs: :thumbs:

6 months from the medical date, usually. usually

:thumbs: :thumbs:

Yup...six months from the medical.

Note: The expiration date will be printed on the visa.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-09-29 10:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 PLEASE HELP
The answer to your question is on page two of the I-130 instructions.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-10-21 15:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshelp me what to do...
You will be fine because your case is not like a K-1. You do not have the two-year requirement. Best wishes for a speedy visa.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-10-23 02:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHubby has colon cancer.. Any help how we can expedite our papers

OK - the entire I-130 was sent back.

now is time to write a letter requesting the expedite, and make a pile of evidence supporting the emergent medical situation.
include all with the resubmittal on the I-130

on the outside of the mailer, write [I-130 for XX visa][Expedite-Medical]. This helps the routing folk to send it to the right office quickly.

my list of stuff is here:
http://www.visajourn...ost__p__5776847

then you need to write up a letter requesting the expedite, put that on top of the pile of medical evidence, clip all together and clip it to the top of the I-130 packet.

^^^ I'm starting to like this idea...a lot-ish. ;)
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-10-24 12:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHubby has colon cancer.. Any help how we can expedite our papers
Sorry to hear about the bad news.

I found some expedite info on the USCIS website. I hope others in the VJ family will chime in on the issue.

USCIS link.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-10-23 19:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespolice certificate

He can't obtain the clearance till he has the interview letter from NVC.

For the people who said that if he's interviewing in his home country he wouldn't need a PCC from Saudi, are you sure about this ?

Yes, I'm sure about this.

I've never seen the U.S. Embassy Manila (USEM) issue a 221g requiring a Saudi police clearance.

According to the U.S. Department of State: Police clearances are unavailable for third country nationals who no longer reside in the Kingdom. U.S. Department of State link.

The USEM is aware of this.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-10-28 14:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespolice certificate
If your husband moves back to 'Pinas and has his interview at the U.S. Embassy Manila, then he will not be required to submit a Saudi police certificate. If he interviews in Saudi, he will need a Saudi police certificate.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-10-25 22:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo we need Philippine Passport Prior to Starting Process?

Sorry I forgot to add, my husband is a Filipino (LPR).

Your wife can call DFA hotline: The DFA Appointment System is also available via the hotline (02) 737-1000. Call us anytime from 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday to Saturday.

I see. Thanks for your response.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-10-31 11:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo we need Philippine Passport Prior to Starting Process?

I used NSO MC to change my Driver's License and Passport to my married name.

Were you required to complete the CFO seminar in order to change your passport to your married name?
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-10-30 13:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAge Gap

Is age difference will be an issue for my cr1 visa?

Even our age gap is like 30 years???

Can i bring my husband on the said interview?

^^^ Yes...the Embassy is wheelchair accessible. :jest:
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-10-07 23:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresScheduling for Interview

you do schedule it online so either of you can do that.. i did my medical and interview in a week time as well as CFO try this link in scheduling interview online after paying your visa fee at BPI

https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/

God bless and Good luck on your journey :)

I believe the OP is applying for a spousal visa, not a fiancée visa. In that case, the NVC would set her interview date.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-01-06 17:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccines

Apologies, didn't realize that it varied by country.

No problem. :)
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-01-10 12:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccines

It is a must.
Your alternate option would be to have the test done that checks for the antibodies in your system.
What happens if you don't have it?
I don't know. I would assume it will result in you forking over extra cash to the medical doctor, though.

^^^ Incorrect.


Many people who attend the medical at St. Luke's don't have a vaccination history. In a number of cases they review the history and still give vaccines anyway as there are sometimes concerns about how the original vaccines were administered.

Don't worry about it, just go to the medical and they will determine which vaccines are needed.

Good luck!

^^^ Correct. :thumbs: :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-01-10 12:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBEING CALLED BACK TO THE EMBASSY

did everyone have their finger prints scanned during the interview with the consulate??

:yes: :yes: :yes: (Except you. :o )
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-01-12 02:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBEING CALLED BACK TO THE EMBASSY
The U.S. Embassy Manila called Chinook four days after her K-1 interview. The Embassy case worker told Chinook they lost my I-134 and its supporting documents. Fortunately, Chinook had not yet returned to Bacolod and was still in Manila. She submitted copies of the needed documents in person at the Embassy. You can read about it here:

Tahoma and Chinook's timeline link
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-01-11 11:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSpouse visa
NSO Certificate Correction of Entry link
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-01-12 10:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRFE for bonafide evidence at petition stage
Are you sure you want to post your thread in the Philippines forum?
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-01-14 16:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about how loans could affect my petition for my future husband

Really. I did not know that for spousal visa. Special treatment lol. Thanks for clarifying.

^^^ Your welcome, Big Bear. :)

@OP...I'm guessing that you are planning to get married in the Philippines, and then file for a spousal petition because you said that you would get a "marriage contract." However, you 're posting in the K-1 fiancé(e) visa forum. Is this where you want to post?
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-01-23 10:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about how loans could affect my petition for my future husband

As long as you earn 125% of the poverty guidelines for a family of 2 in this case then all should be okay regardless of loans etc. Manila is one Consulant that is not popular on approving co-sponsors from what I heard. I actually waited 6 months after I returned to work and found a job back into my field so I could show USICS I earned more then enough and had money in the bank to do this process.

Make sure you meet sentence 1 first. Only go for co sponsor if it is your only way and you have nothing in the near future to get to the 125% level.

Good luck

^^^ She's going to file a spousal petition, not a fiancé(e) petition. Her joint sponsor will be accepted.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-01-22 10:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about NBI and Police Clearance
1. No.

2. No.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-02-18 13:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresare we good to go at the interview?
You won't be denied if you have a qualified joint sponsor.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-03-03 19:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGet Married Now or Later?
Good luck on your NCLEX-RN... :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-03-03 18:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCEMAR for CR1 visa !
I believe that no matter if you are married or if you are single, either way, you apply for a CENOMAR. Then, if you have never been married, the NSO will issue you a CENOMAR. If you have been married, the NSO will issue you a "CRS Form No. 5 - Advisory on Marriages." I believe the "CRS Form No. 5 - Advisory on Marriages" is also called a "CEMAR" or a "Marriage Index."

CRS Form No. 5 - Advisory on Marriages
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-03-05 12:51:00