ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnybody have any luck with an I-824
Unfortunately that notice indicates that your I130 has been retained based on the new policy, and the only way to have it forwarded is to file the I824, which I have yet to see approved for anyone. They have basically made the choice for you that you will enter on K3 and adjust status in the U.S.

The I130 should only be retained if the I129F is approved before or at the same time as the I130.

USCIS now assumes that anyone who files the I129F would prefer to pursue the K3, so the odds are that your I130 will be retained.

I'm slightly confused by your post, have you been approved yet?

Yikes.... are you thinking, Riblet, that all of our I130's are now lost in limbo and our only choice is a K3? I just finished trying to understand the flow chart and James's shortcuts but does this new process means none of that will happen for me now? should I still try to see if NVC gives me a case number so I can follow the same timeline you did ie. case number followed by DS3032 and AOS fee bill or has all of this system been replaced with filling out this new I824 thingy. Help confused and scared!

Oops ..sorry to be confusing. I was a bit panicked by NY IZMIR's news. I HAVE been approved for both the I129 and the I130 at the same time from the California Service Center. I thought they were both then going to the NVC and I would follow the NVC flow chart from here on for the I130 and also follow up on the K3 to see which would happen quicker. My husband phoned to say the same notice arrived in the mail today that NY IZMER received ....saying the beneficiary was in the US and to apply for an I 824 if I needed to apply for a visa outside the US. I was wondering if that meant they have made a mistake with our petition and we cannot follow the usual I130 procedures...as you have. Do you think they have retained it in California and it's just a matter of contacting them and telling them to forward it to the NVC?


ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-20 22:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnybody have any luck with an I-824
The I130 should only be retained if the I129F is approved before or at the same time as the I130.

USCIS now assumes that anyone who files the I129F would prefer to pursue the K3, so the odds are that your I130 will be retained.

I'm slightly confused by your post, have you been approved yet?

Yikes.... are you thinking, Riblet, that all of our I130's are now lost in limbo and our only choice is a K3? I just finished trying to understand the flow chart and James's shortcuts but does this new process means none of that will happen for me now? should I still try to see if NVC gives me a case number so I can follow the same timeline you did ie. case number followed by DS3032 and AOS fee bill or has all of this system been replaced with filling out this new I824 thingy. Help confused and scared!


ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-20 22:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnybody have any luck with an I-824
Dayna,

I'm afraid you've been somewhat misinformed. The new USCIS policy results in the USCIS retaining the approved I130 and not forwarding it to the NVC at all.

AOS may take 6 months, but for some people it takes years stuck in administrative processing. I'm not sure why AOS would be faster under the new policy?

I basically pointing this out because although the I824 doesn't seem like a good option, I don't see how it can interfere with the continued processing of the I129F because it will already be at the NVC and not connected with the I130 or I824 through USCIS.

But once the I130 is retained, I would still give the same advice as you and just pursue the K3 :)
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-20 22:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnybody have any luck with an I-824
I still haven't seen a single one approved, but that's just me of course.
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-18 10:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC
Actually it makes total sense that they have not received the I130, the USCIS new streamlining policy means that if both the I130 and I129F are approved, USCIS will retain the I130 because they assume that the beneficiary will enter on a K3 visa and then adjust status.

Good luck with the rest of the process!

Our application was approved on 5th February 2007. The National Visa Center has not received the application yet. How long does it take to go from California to New Hampshire?? I have checked the timelines and have found the average is 1-2 weeks. Should I worry yet? Has anyone else waited 2+ weeks for the apprved application to be received by NVC?


Also, how do I know thy have received the application, other than calling, which I have been doing everyday. Do they email or send a letter?


Since you are doing a K3, which application was approved? Was it the I-130 or the I129F? If it's the I129F you'll have to call NVC and speak to a live person to get status on your case as the automated system does not update I-129F cases. If it was the I-130 your case should be reflected in the automated system. Typically the system is updated every Tuesday. So I would wait until next Tuesday before making any additional inquires



Now, that is very weird. I just called NVC and they told me they received the I129 but not the I130. They were both approved on the same day. They have since forwarded the I129 to London. I have rung the Embassy, but they have no record of it yet, but it was only sent on 15th February.


ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-22 10:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnother Case Complete - way to go NVC!
Wasn't sure if I said congratulations earlier, hope you hear something soon about the interview!!
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-21 14:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswaitin for CR1/CR2
I would definitely schedule an Infopass appointment, good luck!
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-23 14:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 after K-3
I'm sure :) K1 holders would have to file for AP because their visas are single entry, but not K3's. Someone else will probably chime in, but I'm sure.

Riblet,

Are you sure? (I'd be delighted to be wrong, since it would appear to simplify matters!)

I thought that if a K3 visa holder applies for Adjustment of Status and then wants to leave and re-enter the US during the Adjustment period, that Advanced Parole is still required. This always puzzled me, though, since a K3 is a multiple entry visa.


ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-23 15:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 after K-3
What you have written does seem consistent with how things would likely go.

I think you may be slightly confused about Advance Parole though - your wife would not have to apply for that by virtue of having the K3 visa. Did you think that by filing for Adjustment of Status that your wife wouldn't be able to leave without AP? This would not be true for a K3 holder.

I can't see any benefit to filing the I824 as opposed to filing for Adjustment of Status in the U.S., I believe by filing the I824 it will end up costing more than doing AOS.

Hope this helps a bit :) Good luck with the process!
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-23 14:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 help please
I agree, about 4 weeks is average. Then the wait for an interview really depends on the consulate, Montreal has been averaging 2-4 months.
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-22 11:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Interview a Success
Congrats!! Luckily there won't be too much for you to do when he gets here other than file to remove conditions on his green card if necessary after 2 years :)
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-21 11:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhich way is the most cost effective in the long haul
misa is correct, CR/IR1 is processed only in Montreal.

Good luck :)
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-23 20:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG - Case Complete!!!
thanks for all the support :D
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-21 14:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG - Case Complete!!!
devblt - Glad I was able to share the Wednesday updating info :) I'm sure it made your day, just as it made mine. I guess that's the one benefit of going through the NVC during Christmas & New Years, and all the holidays were on Mondays, I figured it out pretty quickly :)

kyle_lairic - sorry you were delayed, good luck!!
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-21 09:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG - Case Complete!!!
I think it's the best feeling in the world when the immigration process becomes almost predictable - and then does what you expect :)

I knew that Monday was a holiday, so the NVC voice system wouldn't update until today rather than Tuesday as usual... so I called this morning and my case was complete!!! I'm so excited :D

The way things have been working with cases going to Montreal it's actually really possible that we'll have an April interview, which I had totally given up on!! I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much, but thankfully we only have to wait a few weeks to find out.

Good luck to everyone waiting, Jame's Shortcuts DEFINITELY pay off!!
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-21 09:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow do we enter USA from Canada with approved IR-1 visa in passport ?
Congratulations :)

There should be no trouble driving across and then flying, as long as you are able to find a one-way rental. There has been some discussion of this on the Canada forum recently.

I'm not sure about which entrance would be best - but any of them at Buffalo should be able to activate the IR1. If no one on has any suggestions for you here, definitely check out the Canada forum.

Congrats again!
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-25 09:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPoverty Guidelines, Gross or Adjusted Income?
I was thinking about it, and since the Poverty Guidelines are what we are told is enough, how can they say no based on you making more than that minimum? So I think you will be okay.

Also, don't worry, you won't be back at square one if they find you don't make enough - you would be able to try to work something out without starting over. I believe that the NVC would let you know if there is a problem with the I864, so at least that is sooner rather than later.

Good luck!
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-26 11:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPoverty Guidelines, Gross or Adjusted Income?
I looked into this and couldn't find the answer... but it seems to me that it would have to be based on gross income. But if you are that close I would try to keep looking for a joint sponsor just in case.

Good luck!
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-25 15:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow and when do I cancel the 129f application?
That makes more sense :)

At this point a K3 interview probably wouldn't be for about 5 months, whereas once your case is complete at the NVC (mine only took 2 weeks) then it will most likely be 2 - 4 months for an interview.

I'm scared to give up on the K3 just yet in case something goes wrong, but my I130 should be forwarded to Montreal in the next few weeks and then there will be no looking back :)

By the way, I added you to the MTL Timeline to Interview thread in the Canada forum awhile ago. Check it out if you want to get a better idea of how long things are taking.

Good luck!

My mistake -


The k3 application has been forwarded to Montreal.

We just sent in our DS-230 about a week and a half ago and as of yet, they have not processed it at the NVC.

I don't want to cancel the K-3, unless I am sure that I am going to get the CR1.

I will update my time line. I have not been on Visa Journey for a couple months.

Ernie


ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-26 12:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow and when do I cancel the 129f application?
Were they both just now approved? I am confused by your timeline... or is your I130 case complete at the NVC - please update your timeline, it makes it easier for people to help you and really helps others too.

If your I130 is forwarded first, then Montreal should automatically ignore the I129F. But if you want to be sure you can send them an email

Hello friends:

My wife has now been approved for both the I-130 and the 129f - both are being sent to Montreal as we speak. We are going for the CR1. How do we cancel the K3 application and when should we do it?

Thank-you,
Ernie


ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-26 12:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIRS transcripts for AOS application
All I sent was last years tax return - I really don't see any reason to bog them down with paper unnecessarily. If you're really worried, include a couple of extra things - but I personally wouldn't include items 1, 2, 4, or 5.

But whatever you do, I recommend attaching a coversheet table of contents and have it very organized.

Good luck!
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-26 15:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIntroduction and some questions
The papers that are generally needed are listed in the DS230 Instruction Packet - here is the link: http://travel.state....applying_in.pdf

If there are any special documents needed going through China, I wouldn't know about that :)

Good luck again :)
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-26 15:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIntroduction and some questions
Hello,

I will try to answer some of your questions.

As far as the DS230 goes, your wife will have to fill that out. That can be downloaded and prepared now so it's ready to be mailed off when the NVC generates it. Take a look at the NVC Timesavers Thread pinned at the top of the NVC Forum and the NVC Flowchart in the guides. I believe that for China the only document that needs to be submitted with the DS230 is a photocopy of the biographic page of the passport.

Your timeline as far as case complete sounds reasonable, though of course things can always take longer. After your case is complete it should be forwarded to the consulate to schedule an interview - I'm not sure of the wait time for your particular consulate. But once an interview has been scheduled your wife should receive a packet with medical info and her interview date.

I would think that collecting as much info on your wife's prior condition as possible would be a good idea - also, if possible she could even start getting her vaccinations now rather than waiting.

You will probably find more consulate specific info in your regional forum on this site. Also, check out the timelines, you can narrow things down by country to get a better idea of how long things are taking.

I am almost positive that all necessary documents will need to be translated.

Good luck with the rest of the process.
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-26 10:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat's the record time to NOA 1 ?
If your check is cashed, and you can obtain a copy of it, your case number should be on the back and you can use that to sign up on the USCIS website for tracking. Hope you hear something soon :)
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-18 12:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresprocess after two years
Hello,

She will have to file to remove conditions in the 90 days before the expiration of her Green Card.

Here is the guide: http://www.visajourn...p;page=751guide
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-27 12:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS3032
I was authorized as his agent to do so :)

I just created a new email account in my husband's name for him, and then emailed from that... just so I would know when they did respond :)

is there a way to work through this is your spouse, the alien? doesn't have e-mail?


That's illegal. Off to prison for you both :)

Jim

PS: Anyone see the irony in the fact that this week we have the opening of the Mexican border to Mexican truckers to begin bringing in goods in their own trucks and there is almost no requirement for visas. In the meantime, legally married Americans can't even get a tourist visa for their spouses to come into the country. If only China was a NAFTA country. I'd just get the wife a commercial driver's license and send her one of my trucks. At the border when she's stopped and asked what her cargo is, she could say, "80,000 poounds of kisses. Out of my way, gringo."

None of the government I pay for. All the government we deserve.


ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-27 15:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS3032
I just created a new email account in my husband's name for him, and then emailed from that... just so I would know when they did respond :)

is there a way to work through this is your spouse, the alien? doesn't have e-mail?


ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-27 15:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS3032
The email reply was confirmation - the next thing that should go out to the Agent is the IV Fee Bill.

ETA: I see what you mean, your wife emailed and they did not respond to her. But they acknowledged to you that they have received the Choice of Agent? You could have your wife email again if you're concerned, but if they say they've received it and name the correct agent, that sounds okay.

I had my wife email it out as soon as we got a case number. We hadn't heard from them for over a week, so I emailed them asking about it. They sent a response 2 days later saying they had recieved it. My wife still hasn't received a conformation though.


Edited by riblet, 27 February 2007 - 03:23 PM.

ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-27 15:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS3032
I see from the shortcuts that apparently it usually takes a week or two, but if they don't accept it, the worst case scenario you can just send it again later :)
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-26 22:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS3032
If I recall correctly from the shortcuts link... as soon as you have a case number you can email the choice of agent.
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-26 22:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa in Hand
Once you enter and activate your visa you are employment authorized, so yes you are able to look for work. If you didn't choose the option on the DS230 make sure to apply for a SSN asap.

Good luck finding work & Congrats on getting the visa!
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-25 14:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIt's my turn!!!
YAY!! Congrats, it's a great feeling isn't it?!
ribletFemaleCanada2007-03-01 10:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUpgrading status question
All I had to do was call the 1-800 number and give them my certificate number, it's one of the options on the menu. I was approved just over 2 months later.

Oh, but I did have to call back 30 days later because they hadn't upgraded, it was upgraded the next day.

Hello everyone
I have a question.
If I send my I-130 while still a LPR, then I got my status upgraded to USC, how do I change this in my petition? Is there a file to fill out, or should I write a letter?
Thank you!


ribletFemaleCanada2007-03-01 15:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresgot the CR1 Visa ..............
Congratulations!! I was thinking of you yesterday when I was working on the timeline :)
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-28 08:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion
I'm afraid I've never heard of this before... if the 1-800 people can't correct it, I would go to an Infopass appointment.

Good luck!
ribletFemaleCanada2007-03-02 17:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresphone bill question
kyle_lairic,

Phone bills are not mandatory evidence, just provide as much evidence as you think you need :)
ribletFemaleCanada2007-03-02 11:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVISA APPROVED in BOGOTA 2/21/07
Congrats!!!!
ribletFemaleCanada2007-02-25 13:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI´ve Rested my case
Good luck! I also wanted to let you know about a weird phone message you may get from the NVC until your case is complete (maybe, it's happened to a bunch of people, including me). Anyway, it might tell you that something is missing from your packet and that something has been mailed to me. I finally received the letter in the mail the day before my case was complete, AND it said that my DS230 was missing, which was clearly wrong since they had already received it.

Anyway, hopefully they won't give you the crazy message!

Best wishes, Justo ! Hope it goes fast !


ribletFemaleCanada2007-03-02 22:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-2 anyone?
Does she have an I-551 stamp in her passport? If so, that should be all she needs.

My understanding is that IR2's receive a green card just like an IR1, so the answer would be that she doesn't need a work permit, she is already authorized to work and just needs to apply for her SSN.

A stepchild (ukrainian) in the US on IR-2 Visa. Can she get SS number and work permit? Is it one of those maybe yes maybe no deals or just a matter of application?

Thanks! As always!

Rick



I think it is truly the same as IR-1 but if she wants to work now (before the green card) she can just use the IR-2 visa? The SS office told her she might get a SS # might not... Were they just being jerks?

Thanks


ribletFemaleCanada2007-03-03 09:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-2 anyone?
My understanding is that IR2's receive a green card just like an IR1, so the answer would be that she doesn't need a work permit, she is already authorized to work and just needs to apply for her SSN.

A stepchild (ukrainian) in the US on IR-2 Visa. Can she get SS number and work permit? Is it one of those maybe yes maybe no deals or just a matter of application?

Thanks! As always!

Rick


ribletFemaleCanada2007-03-02 22:58:00