ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiled in June, they are backed up until february..
Hmm I find it interesting because I'm tracking all the IR1/CR1's here on VJ and everyone has already gotten their NOA2's I think the last was 6/25. I looked at the stats and most all the March filers have their NOA2 also. Wondering if they told you they are still working on February so you wouldn't bother calling them for another 5 months.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-08-03 20:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmailing out I-130!!!
I used a folder with the two prong thingy on the top. Two hole punched everything and put them in the folder. Also I used section dividers and had a section for everything.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-07-31 22:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresINTERVIEW OVER
So, 2 1/2 hours after SO called me he called again and told me he would scan what they gave him. I was like, "You didn't tell me they gave you something!!!" I think he was so upset because we were certain he would be approved he just wasn't thinking to tell me about the letter he received. So this is what it says:

In order to proceed with your application for a U.S. visa, this office must confirm your eligibility for that visa. We will contact you if we need additional information from you regarding your relationship or if we need to conduct an additional interview. Until we have completed this verification process, we cannot move forward with your visa application.


My reading of that says we are in AP - correct?
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-08-06 08:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresINTERVIEW OVER
More detail....

He was asked:

My name: Correct
My employer: Correct
When we met: Correct
Where I worked when me met: Incorrect
Can I see wedding pics: Looked at them and gave them back.

The issue was I worked for Company A from Jan 2002-April 2007 and then I started working with them again in December 2008 and still work for them. He messed up the date and thought I worked there until April 2008 so it would mean that I was working for them when we met.

The man (who didn't give his name) told SO he had paperwork to complete and then he would call him. SO asked if he should sit and wait and the man said, "No you are free to leave."

SO said the man was not friendly at all and asked questions very fast. When SO answered incorrectly, he said, "At the same place?" and SO said, "Yes she worked there and was terminated when she was visiting and we got married." I worked at Company B and was terminated from that company when I was visiting, I started working for Company A a few weeks after I returned home.

WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-08-06 05:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresINTERVIEW OVER
Interview is over and the result..... I don't know.

No pink, but no blue either. Didn't take his passport, but did return original marriage certificate.


What does this mean? Does it mean that we are on AP? What do I do now? I sent an email to the consulate, they have been really good about returning my emails within 24 hours.

More waiting....................
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-08-06 05:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC
QUOTE (r''n''b nation @ Aug 7 2009, 10:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I CALLED THE NVC AVR SYSTEM TODAY & FOUND OUT MY CASE WAS COMPLETED ON THE 05TH AUG. NOW IT'S
INTERVIEW DATE NEXT . HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT BEFORE I CALL TOO WHAT DATE I HAVE ?



I called every day from the date my case completed - LOL!
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-08-07 13:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 - marriage certificate / assuming last name??? Help please
QUOTE (amy83 @ Jul 2 2009, 09:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello,

I am filing all the paperwork for the CR-1 visa. We were just married on June 27th, and when we were married the officiant singed and filled out the marriage certificate and gave it to us. (she also kept additonal paperwork that she said she needed to fill out and submit). What i am wondering, is this the certificate that I submit?? I thought it was, until I was reading elsewhere that some people had to wait 8-10 weeks for their certificates?? So now I am confused. We were married in PA if that makes any difference.

Also, in Canada I know you can just assume your husbands last name, and then your madian name stays on your birth certificate and passport. Is this the same in the US? Do I just assume his last name, and fill out all the forms using his last name? Or should I just do it all in my madian name??

Thanks, Im just so confused!


Birth cert name stays the same.

Passport to be changed if you change your last name.

There are MANY options for last name. You drop your maiden name and assume his name. You can drop your middle name and use your maiden name as your middle name and assume his name. You can add his name to your maiden seperated with a hyphen or not. You both can change your names to something entirely different. A friend of mine combined McNeil and Smith for McNeilsmith and both changed their names. You can just keep your maiden name. Friends of mine did that and then instead of giving their children either last name they only picked out first and middle and the middle name ended up being the children's last name.

Basically, it's all up to you and your SO!
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-07-02 12:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSPOUSE REQUESTED TO ATTEND NEXT INTERVIEW
QUOTE (enraptured @ Aug 7 2009, 06:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
sorry to hear, whidbey...what happened?


I couldn't use my airline miles to go and couldn't afford $2200 for a plane ticket so I couldn't go to be with husband at interview. He answered one question (out of about 8) wrong and they told him they needed to research our relationship. No pink, no blue, just a letter telling us they would let us know if they needed more information or if they needed another interview. I emailed them and they told me the same thing, "we have your phone number and email, we will contact you if we need anything." blah blah blah. I called DOS today and they said, "This is standard procedure, don't worry about it. Call next week." blah blah blah. NOT the answers I wanted! Well, at least she said to call in a week - not 6 weeks or 6 months. I suppose that's a positive smile.gif
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-08-07 21:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSPOUSE REQUESTED TO ATTEND NEXT INTERVIEW
At least you only have to go to Mexico.

Could be Africa like I will have to do I'm sure since we weren't given a pink slip yesterday.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-08-07 19:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswow... got approved
I track all the February Filers and shortest NVC assigned was 5 days and longest was 30 days with 15 days being the average.

Number is 603.334.0700
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-09-04 14:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUnusual love story, how to present it during interview?
As others have said your story is just fine smile.gif

We met online. I sent an email at the end of March telling how frustrating it was being on seperate continents and his response??? An email back, "If you're that frustrated then just come here and we'll get married." That was on April Fools Day no less!!! I flew to Senegal met him for the first time in person on Nov 1 and we were married on Nov 3, no one from my family or his at the courthouse wedding, just two of his friends and two paid witnesses (you have to have Senegalese citizens be the "official" witnesses).

Our second interview is in 2-1/2 weeks, I'm so certain he'll get his visa I already bought his ticket home.

Edited by WhidbeyGirl, 05 September 2009 - 09:20 PM.

WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-09-05 21:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShe is here....Thanks for everything :)
QUOTE (john1759 @ Aug 18 2009, 08:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She got to USA yesterday.
We made it home today.

Thanks for all the help from the VJer's smile.gif

kicking.gif kicking.gif


Congrats to a Fellow February Filer Friend!!
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-08-19 08:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPublic Charge?
QUOTE (christeen @ Sep 17 2009, 09:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The DOJ proposes to define public charge to mean an alien who has become (for purposes of deportation) or is likely to become (for purposes of admissibility or adjustment) "primarily dependent on the Government for subsistence, as demonstrated by either the receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance or institutionalization for long-term care at Government expense."

Cash benefits for income maintenance include the following: (1) Supplemental Security Income (SSI); (2) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), but not including supplemental cash benefits excluded from the term "assistance" under TANF program rules or any non-cash benefits and services provided by the TANF program; (3) State and local cash benefit programs that are for the purpose of income maintenance (often called "General Assistance" but which may exist under other names).

So it seems that Student financial aid is not considered "public charge" Although I probably would not bring up this intention with the officers???


I believe food stamps, energy assistance and child care assistance are also considered public charge.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-09-17 23:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOUR AP =(
QUOTE (taj'samericanwife @ Sep 25 2009, 09:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello everyone, i just got back to work and i am still feeling so lousy. anyway they didn't give us any reason, didn't ask for any more documents. my husband was even willing to show more documents and give them all the stuff i asked him to bring. they didn't ask for the police clearance (pakistan police clearance) that we were instructed to bring again from our appointment letter. they didn't ask for my employment letter, my taxes, my pay stubs, my birth certificate...nothing. all they looked at were pictures of my husband and i and our son. and the pre screener just asked for some chat logs and call logs.

TO: TAHOMA: congrats to your wife on passing her nclex. i am a nurse myself, i passed last june and i am working now on a respiratory unit. new to work, over a month now...and loving it! thank you for your encouragement. i will get the number from my husband and ask them on monday right away!....



Taj - this sounds EXACTLY like my husbands first interview. Also given a white slip with no requests just stated need to process case more. The only BETTER thing for your husband is they took his passport while they did not take my husbands. The first few days of AP are the hardest, please believe me. Our AP was just 7 weeks, I pray yours will be shorter since they already have his passport. I believe (though cannot be certain) that your husband being a professional will help. My husband does not have beyond high school on record and his profession is hair stylist. I am sure in my heart your AP will be short and sweet - just as Betsy's was. Chin up girl, all will be well. Soon your sweet man will be in the US with you in your arms.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-09-26 07:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFor CR1 IV packet submitting without PCC
So DesiDon - did you send your DS230 yet?
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-06-14 15:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFor CR1 IV packet submitting without PCC
QUOTE (Phillip2 @ Jun 10 2009, 12:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I suggest waiting for the PCC because an RFE will cost you a lot more time.


According to my stats for the February Filers those who received RFE's (5 of them) got case complete in an average of 25 days from the day they sent the IV packet and those who did not get an RFE (10 of them) got case complete in an average of 21 days from the day they sent the IV packet. NOT A HUGE DIFFERENCE. If OP waits 3 weeks first to receive PCC and THEN sends in IV packet it will take 3 weeks. YET if OP sends in paperwork now it will take approximately 4 to 5 weeks so sending now makes a 1 to 2 week faster process.


JMHO based on the stats I have collected.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-06-10 16:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFor CR1 IV packet submitting without PCC
I don't know if they'll let you show PCC at interview, BUT here's what I did. My SO didn't have his original BC and the registry wouldn't give him another copy because he didn't know the registration number and they had no way of looking it up. So he went to courts and got a signed statement from them. I didn't see that we needed another affidavit from a family member until after I had already gotten the court statement. Rather than wait two to three more weeks for his sister to send me an affidavit I mailed off the package AND asked his sister to send me the affidavit. I figure by the time I get an RFE I will have the affidavit so will mail it immediately. This way they will have already done most of the processing of the case.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-06-10 12:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWork after POE K1 vs CR-1
You don't need SSN or Green Card to work if you have the CR1 visa stamp.

Your visa is your temporary I-551 (upon being stamped) and your ability to work. The I-9 which EVERY employee fills out lists "foreign passport with I-551 stamp" as being the only thing needed. If you look at the for you need 1 item from column A OR 1 from column B and 1 from column C. The foreign passport with I-551 is in column A. I've spent the entire week explaining this to potential employers that my husband is applying with.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-10-09 16:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWork after POE K1 vs CR-1
QUOTE (minme @ Oct 7 2009, 02:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hoping someone can help clarify this for me...

My fiancee and I are trying to figure out if it is better for us to get the K-1 or get married and get the CR-1.

One of our main concerns is how long it will take for her to be allowed to work after entering the US, and what restrictions apply to her work status.

Also, we would like to know which one takes longer to get. (I am aware of the guides and timelines, I am just a bit confused)
It seems that the K-1 is faster for her to enter, but the CR-1 has more benefits. Is this correct?

I am posting this concern both in the CR-1 and the K-1 forums, since it applies to both. Any help is appreciated.


CR1 cheaper, just as fast and can work upon entry.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-10-07 16:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAdministrative Review
QUOTE (jacii08 @ Oct 16 2009, 10:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Its been a week already and we have not heard anything about my husbands visa. How long does administrative Review take? This is so sad and frustrating. I thought because they kept my husbands passport it would be quicker.


Could be 2 weeks could be 2 years. Although, since they have his passport it probably won't be too long.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-10-17 01:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it advisable to send pictures, letters etc w/ your I-130
QUOTE (gpmaan @ Oct 17 2009, 08:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In a sense, this thread for some of us is moot. But I juest need a peace of mind in this time of stress and anxiety.


Whn you guys submitted your I-130, did you send wedding pictures or pictures of you and your spouse in general along with some letters, e-mails/chat logs etc? lol


Im knocking myself in the head now after readin a whole lot of threads in this site. I wish I stacked up heavily when submitting our application. All I sent is wahst requested (Marriage certificate, financial documents and 1 sworn affidavit from my aunt lol)


I thought the Marriage Certificate along with some bank transcripts would be enough. Damn it!@!!!!


I also just sent the basics and 3 affidavits, one from SO's friend at the wedding, one from a hired witness at the wedding and one from my mom who watched my children while I went to Africa to get married. As you can see from my timeline, our process went very quick. I don't believe in heavy loading (I know others disagree). I don't because I used to work in a government office and I can tell you from experience the large files are left for a day when the person feels like dealing with it. The smaller and well organized files are processed first.

WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-10-17 23:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR1/CR1 Interview Questions
My guess since this post is so old is that there was a link in the signature that is no longer there - just my assumption though smile.gif
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-04-05 19:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 and working
Yes one of the MAJOR benefits of getting the CR1 - can work day 1! The stamp in your passport is your proof of being allowed to work.

Edited by WhidbeyGirl, 27 October 2009 - 04:27 PM.

WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-10-27 16:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife got her visa... Can she work when she comes over now?
QUOTE (sachinky @ Nov 8 2009, 04:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She will need a SSN before she can start working, though.



NOPE, you can work without it. Check out the instruction of the I-9, only have to have a foreign passport with the temporary I-551 stamp.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-11-09 01:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNlove can now exhale..Visa has been Approved!!!!
CONGRATS!
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-11-10 15:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC's address to send DS-230
Ditto Chris & Ani. Use the one on the cover sheet.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-07-02 19:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDivorce papers in foreign language
QUOTE (andreww @ Jun 1 2009, 02:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all,

I have been reading about documents that need an accompanying english translation... but can not find this one in specific sad.gif

Do I really need to translate all of her copied official divorce papers in her native bahasa Indonesia language?

if theres no question about having to do it, I'll have my fiancee do it.. its just a LONG tedious task!!


Yes all documents submitted must be translated.

WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-06-01 16:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBias against Brazillians
QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Jun 24 2009, 08:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Lu & Keith @ Jun 24 2009, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (WhidbeyGirl @ Jun 24 2009, 11:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Lu & Keith @ Jun 24 2009, 07:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (bartonr3 @ Jun 24 2009, 11:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone else feel like there is a bias against Brazillians? I see Canadians being approved quickly and Brazillians waiting forever. I am soooooo frustrated with the Vermont center! kicking.gif



Sorry guys, but what's "bias"?

Thanks!



GOOGLE IT, sheesh!


Tks


"Bias" is how you balance the power tubes in a guitar amp! good.gif

Where's the :facepalm: emoticon...

hehe!!! There's on in every crowd!
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-06-24 22:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBias against Brazillians
QUOTE (Lu & Keith @ Jun 24 2009, 07:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (bartonr3 @ Jun 24 2009, 11:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone else feel like there is a bias against Brazillians? I see Canadians being approved quickly and Brazillians waiting forever. I am soooooo frustrated with the Vermont center! kicking.gif



Sorry guys, but what's "bias"?

Thanks!



GOOGLE IT, sheesh!
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-06-24 21:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBias against Brazillians
QUOTE (charles! @ Jun 24 2009, 07:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
yes they intentionally slow down brazilian applications, the usa can only handle so many hot women arriving on a k visa.

rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-06-24 21:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBias against Brazillians
Are you serious?????

Try being married to a Nigerian from a Muslim country.


The problem is Vermont, not being Brazilian.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-06-24 21:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCopies of the emails and chat logs
Personally I wouldn't put into a word document and edit. But that's just me. What I have done is made a files in my email box one is To SO and one is From SO and put all email in such files. Then I made print outs of the lists of emails I have. Then I printed out a few emails. I also have some email that have info that I don't want available to everyone who looks at my file. So I just don't include them.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-06-26 11:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBringing a Rabbit to USA....
QUOTE (fourjudge @ Jun 29 2009, 08:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiance and I finally will have our interview in July and she has a pet rabbit...does anyone know the requirements of bringing a rabbit to USA from Philippines?



We have plenty of rabbits here in the US.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-06-29 22:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHe is 65 and She is 23
QUOTE (itzallgood @ Jun 30 2009, 12:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jundp @ Jun 30 2009, 12:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (itzallgood @ Jun 29 2009, 11:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Age is just a number. It does not impact the visa.


It shouldn't, but unfortunately it all too often does.


Letz see some statistics to back your claim, plz. Nowhere in USCIS petition/visa requirements does it mention age as a exclusionary factor in petitioning a person of majority age. whistling.gif



Just because it's not written DOESN'T mean that age discrimination DOESN'T happen! Really are you that ignorant?? It's NOT written anywhere to question more intensely people from Muslim countries but it's a REALITY!!

To OP definitely have EVERYTHING in order and ready because if you get someone who is discriminitory for an interviewing officer they will nit pick until they can find something to deny you on. I have heard of African's being denied because they didn't know how many miles it was from their wives house to their church. Just know every piece of information you possibly can about the USC.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-06-30 08:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNot Divorced from Ex when we met....
Same situation for me. We met about a month before I filed papers for divorce. But my ex was in prison so I don't anticipate any issue.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-07-04 19:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHis middle name is different on his BC + Question about Letter of Intend
QUOTE (EasternDE @ Jul 11 2009, 11:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh oops, he is the american citizen, and I am the frenchie.



OH well then no problem, I don't think smile.gif
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-07-11 14:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHis middle name is different on his BC + Question about Letter of Intend
QUOTE (EasternDE @ Jul 11 2009, 11:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So we got my fiance birth certificate. Which made him to remember that his mother changed his middle name...
We have no clue if she legally changed it or not...
No matter what his "last middle name" appears on his passport.

We have no legal document reguarding this change...

So my guess is we shouldn't send a copy of his BC but the full copy of his passport.
Correct?

I'm not sure how a middle name change really matters though...


Now I have a qestion about the letters of intend.
Should it be fully handwritten or just the signature?


Thank you
star_smile.gif



I can't say for certain for France but I guarantee if your SO was from an African country the name difference would NEVER fly! EVERYTHING has to match 100%
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-07-11 13:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWrinkle in the marriage law? Please explain.
Personally I wouldn't even attempt that - looks too much like a marriage. There was a woman who had an engagement ceremony in Nigeria and showed those photos at interview and was denied for being married - and they even know the custom of engagement ceremonies. Bad idea to even take the chance. Best plan is that of Minya's wife - get married legally here in the US and then go to Peru for the religious ceremony.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-08-11 22:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfused Please help
Any chance any of the kids are 18? I followed all of the rules (ie committed NO FRAUD) and was able to not have to claim one of my children because he is 18 and I didn't claim him on my taxes.
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-10-06 22:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa, very confusing to me...
Honestly, I'd advise the CR1 for 3 main reasons:

1. When SO get's here he can start working the day he arrives (if he chooses to)
2. The cost is A LOT less.
3. The time is NOT much longer for a CR1
WhidbeyGirlFemaleSenegal2009-10-25 22:35:00