Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DS-230 Scenario Reversed	My understanding is that you also need to submit all the documentation: police certificates, marriage, birth, copy of passport bio page, divorce, etc.	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-12 09:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	vermont service center contact info?//	As for errors on the G325A, this is something I'm still not sure about. My husband messed his up, and I ended up making him do it again. If it's possible to correct it neatly, I can't see how that would be a problem. The signatures definitely have to be original - I've seen many people have their papers sent back because the signatures weren't original. The instructions for the forms do not require certified copies - I just sent regular copies and mine was approved. I know the guides here suggest certified copies but I think this is just an additional precaution. Hope this helps What aussiewench said was true... have you tried asking your question here? People are pretty helpful thanks.. i have tried, and people are pretty helpful! however, i received a pretty wide array of answers so i thought i would also try to get an 'official' answer. i am just wondering if there are problems that may arise from witing out a few mistakes on the g-25A form and fixing them, if i can send copies of the g.25a or if i need to send original signatures every time they ask for it, and if i can send photocopies of certificates (birth and marriage) with the first package or if i need to get certified copies at this point. i know this might sound a little over worried but i'm just trying to make everything work from the beginning. any feedback?	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-13 12:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	vermont service center contact info?//	What aussiewench said was true... have you tried asking your question here? People are pretty helpful	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-13 10:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I FINALLY GOT MY FEE BILLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!	Good news Have you checked out the "Timesavers for NVC" thread? It really made feel alot more comfortable about the process, I finally felt like I knew exactly what was going to happen. Here's the link if you don't already know about it: http://www.visajourn...p?showtopic=117 I know I've heard something about the system updating on Monday or Tuesday - but maybe that is just if they mail something out? I can't remember sorry. Hope everything goes super speedy from here on out	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-12 18:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I had it	Have a wonderful time!!!!!!	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-12 17:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	My wife's visa has been APPROVED!!!!	Congrats on the good news	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-13 18:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	What if we file an I 129F?	Sounds like your husband is like mine - he really wants to be together, but he doesn't want to spend money unless it's something we have to apply for Tell him I said I would do it, and I'm a gold member lol I really do want to file it. There is no harm in doing so. It is convincing Mel that may take work.	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-14 20:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	What if we file an I 129F?	If you have an extra couple of hundred dollars, I don't see the harm in filing an I129F. It seems like this new I824 procedure is really uncertain as to the time frame, and if it actually takes 6 months, then it will likely take another 6 months on top of that to get through the NVC and consulate. With the K3 it's possible you could be done in 6 or 7 months. Usually if people have an approved I130 the general wisdom is not to apply for the I129F, but I think if I was in your situation I would strongly consider it. Edited by riblet, 14 December 2006 - 03:21 PM.	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-14 15:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	IR checklist documents	If you have received something from the NVC requesting more documents, but not specifying which documents, I would call the NVC to clarify. The phone number should be on the NOA2 for your I130.	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-15 22:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	NVC Processing for Child	I would really recommend calling the NVC regarding most of your questions. As far as your daughter goes, my understanding is that regardless of what status she enters on (probably IR1) because you are a citizen, she will be immediately eligible to file a N-600 for citizenship. I'm still a little uncleear as to that process, but check out the citizenship forum later. Good luck!!	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-15 10:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	What is the difference between IR-1 and CR-1?	Many people in your situation continue to pursue both at this point - although I guess you'll have to see if your NOA2 for the I130 indicates that it is being forwarded to NVC or retained. If it is being retained and you do want to pursue the CR1 you will have to file the I824. If your sole goal is to get your spouse to the U.S. as fast as possilble, K3 is still your best bet. Depending on if your interview will be in Vancouver or Montreal, the interview for K3 could be 2-4 months from now. After entering on K3 the average wait time for work authorization is about 3 months. For the I130, the NVC processing may take 2 months, or much more (you never know). Then waiting time for Montreal for interview seems to be about 4 months. So that's looking at about 6 months from now if your I130 petition is actually forwarded to NVC immediately. Hope this helps! Okay, I almost couldn't believe this , but after my I-130 got approved last night, I just rec'd an email that our I-129F has been approved today....!!! WOW. Soo should I go for the CR1 visa, and abandon the K3? Are there any pros and cons to both? Also, Do I have to send them a notice to abandon the K3? Please advise with thanks!	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-15 14:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	What is the difference between IR-1 and CR-1?	My husband's I130 was approved last week, and I don't expect the process to be done any sooner than April or May. So in your case it probably does make sense to pursue the I130 as it is the superior visa. If you have no plans on coming down before July, then there is no real reason to continue to pursue the K3, unless as a safety net if something goes wrong with your I130. Also - regarding the CR/IR1 distinction - I'm pretty sure that you have to be married for 2 years at the time you activate your visa - so if you have your interview at 1yr10months of marriage, but don't enter the U.S. until after your 2nd anniversary, you will still receive an IR1 as long as you make sure to confirm this at the POE. IR1 = Marrired more than 2 years at time of interview and gets 10 years greencard.... CR1 = Married less than 2 years at time of interview and gets a 2 year conditional Greencard.... conditions have to be removed before the expiration date of the Greencard approx. 1 year and 9 months from the date of issue... if approved at removal of conditions a 10 year Greencard is then issued... Both a CR1 and a IR1 have the same rights as all Greencard holders... Kez Yes, I agree. This has probably been asked many times - but, is it better to pursue the I-130 (CR1) Visa rather than waiting for the K3 to be approved, and - do you have to be physically living in the USA to pursue the I-130(CR1) because I only plan on moving there in July 2007. My I-130 just got approved yesterday. Please offer any advice. Thanks! Edited by riblet, 15 December 2006 - 10:44 AM.	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-15 10:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	IR spouse visa	The documents that are required to be submited with the DS230 varies depending on the country. Some countries it is just the bio page of the passport. I'm not sure about the Phillipines, sorry. I know I have seen this question asked recently, but probably your best bet is to check in with the forum for the Phillipines.	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-15 22:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	IR spouse visa	Welcome & congrats - you are almost done 1 - I'm not sure how long it takes to receive the DS230, but if you look at the link below, it explains how you can generate it yourself if you or your husband feel comfortable doing that - it will save the waiting for it. Or even if you choose to wait you can have everything ready to go when it actually arrives: http://www.visajourn...p?showtopic=117 As for how long to interview, by looking at the VJ timelines, it looks like Phillipines is running about 290 days average after the NOA2. Try checking out the regional forum and talking to other people going through the Phillipines. Good luck!	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-15 09:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I 130 Approved	I've been looking around since I've been approved, and it looks like the average is about 2 weeks... although some unlucky people wait months. Let's hope it's fast Does anybody know approximately how long it takes for the approved I-130 to go from the CIS to NVC? Congratulations I know it will still be awhile, but it feels good to have some sort of progress!	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-13 10:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I 130 Approved	Congratulations I know it will still be awhile, but it feels good to have some sort of progress!	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-13 09:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR-1 Interview company	You definitely don't have to, and they won't hold it against you. There are lots of people on the Canada board who have gone alone - there was a discussion about it last night Good luck!!	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-21 09:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR-1 Thailand	Maybe she feels like your baby is evidence of a genuine relationship , but that's the only reason for bringing him.	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-21 09:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	entering US on tourist visa during NVC review	Interesting, I hadn't heard that. It's been suggested that any international travel close to the interview may trigger a fresh round of security checks, but I don't have any concrete proof of that. Just one informed person's statement.	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-11-22 14:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	entering US on tourist visa during NVC review	A visit shouldn't cause any problems at the NVC or Consulate. The main issue is whether or not she will be permitted to enter. She must have as much evidence as possible to show strong ties to her country and that she will be actually returning. It is totally up to the discretion of the border official as to whether or not to believe her. In addition, some border officials seem confused and have been known to deny people entry after an approved petition because they think that that is the rule. So basically, no harm in visiting, just be prepared for a chance that she will be denied entry no matter how convincing her evidence.	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-11-22 13:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	consulate filing plz help to understand	If I was you I would have my husband submit his choice of agent via email to the NVC and add a note in the email stating that he is planning on pursuing the IR1 through London. Instructions on how to email the choice of agent can be found in the NVC Timesavers Thread which is pinned at the top of the NVC forum. Good luck!!	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-28 17:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	You are not going to believe this happened	dear god! Oh I believe it alright - it is the misinformation line after all. Once as my husband (then fiance) and I were entering the U.S. they tried to explain to me (Permanent Resident at the time) that I should file for a fiance visa for him. Sure. I have just had a very interesting conversation with USCIS this is how it went........... Janice......Hello I would like some general information on the I-130 and how much it will cost. William...... The I-130 is $190.00 Janice.......... Could you please explain to me the next part of the process. William........ Yes mam, could I please put you on hold while I ask for this information. Janice......... Yes Pause William....... Mam you do not need to do this form or any other form, because you are in England you can come to the U.S.A on the Visa Waiver Programme and do your Ajustment of Status here in the U.S.A Janice........ I think you are wrong in what you are telling me. William....... Mam I am not wrong, I have just been given this information, Mam I have the border protection number which you can ring and arrange a date that you can come and join your husband. Janice ......(pause because I could not believe what I was hearing) so I ring the border protection and they will just let me in will they. William......... Yes Mam they will take your details and allow you into the USA on the Visa Waiver Programme. Janice...... Ok will you give me the number that I must call then please William.... (gives me border patrol number) Janice...... Thank you very much have a nice Christmas. Puts down phone and fell about laughing....... at this point has a 2 second thought to ring the border patrol Rang USCIS back and explained to a lady what had just happened and after she fell about laughing she explained that NO I could not do that (well duh) and then went on the say that she had never heard of a CR1 and that I was to phone the NVC to get all the information from them. Rang NVC and aquired all the information that I needed. Janice Merry Christmas	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-22 13:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR 1 Interview scheduled Ciudad Juarez woo hoooo	Congratulations That is truly a great gift!	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-24 09:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CASE COMPLETED AND SENT!	In order to find out if the embassy has your file you can wait to receive confirmation in the mail, or you can call or email the embassy directly. Good luck with the rest of your journey	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-29 11:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	A Newbie so please forgive me	We are pretty much all either foreign spouses or USC's (U.S. Citizens) trying to get their spouse to the U.S. ... so we don't really get tired of seeing other people like us, that's how this site works Most of us do not use attorneys, but someone may be able to suggest one for you. I've seen many USC's petition for a spouse while they were out of the country, your main issue that I could think of would be showing that you have domicile in the U.S., I'm not sure how working overseas will be a factor in this... hopefully someone else could help with this. Your first step would be to file an I130. Some people also choose to file an I129F as that leads to a K3 visa which is generally faster, but has limitations. Read the guides on this site first to get an idea of what your options are Good luck! Oh - and as for visiting the U.S. that may be very difficult. In order to get a visa your wife will have to show that she doesn't plan on just staying in the U.S., and that can be difficult (although not impossible) to do.	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-30 14:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-130	Section 7 of the instructions for the form has a Note which states: "NOTE: In addition to the required documentation listed in1) through 4) above, you should submit one or more of thefollowing types of documentation that may evidence thatbona fides of your marriage: 1) Documentation showing joint ownership or property; or 2) A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence; or 3) Documentation showing co-mingling of financial resources; or 4) Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to you, the petitioner, and your spouse together; or 5) Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship (Each affidavit must contain the full name and address, date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner of beneficiary, if any, and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage); or 6) Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union." This is a very new addition to the form, so most of us did not have to do this. So the birth certificates, and maybe something else would hopefully be plenty. I'm assuming that you are actually doing DCF since you mention having to make a trip. Good luck!	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-29 15:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	What next	I would suggest reading the NVC Timesavers Thread which is pinned at the top of the NVC forum. For the DS3032 shortcut, we actually emailed the Choice of Agent, and received confirmation 2 days later. If you email you don't need to submit the paper form if they confirm that they have received it. I read the Timesavers Thread and the NVC Flowchart in the guides and it really helped me understand the process, I would suggest studying both of those Good luck with everything!	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-31 13:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Is it true you cannot file an I 129F if you have an approved I 130?	As I mentioned it's a new policy, so you weren't affected by it. It was implemented in October of this year. Here's the press release: http://www.uscis.gov...e/PN_i-129f.pdf And here's a thread with some discussion of it: http://www.visajourn...h...6&hl=policy And here's a link to form I-824 which has a $200 filing fee: http://www.uscis.gov.../form/I-824.pdf Unfortunately forwarding to the NVC is no longer automatic if there is an approved I129F. This is supposed to make USCIS more efficient (hopefully true!! I still haven't added up all the fees so I still don't know which option makes more sense financially. Hopefully this discussion is helpful to someone, as I've seen a lot of people lately who are confused by it... someone actually filed the I824 when they really wanted to just Adjust Status because they were confused by the language on the I130 NOA2. The I130 NOA2 for people who's petitions are being retained mentions filing the I824 for further action, and may not clearly explain the difference between pursuing consular processing or AOS.	riblet	Female	Canada	2007-01-01 15:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Is it true you cannot file an I 129F if you have an approved I 130?	Sorry, I thought I had mentioned... there is a new USCIS policy that presumes that a K3 recipient will adjust status in the U.S. If a K3 recipient chooses to pursue a CR/IR1 they must now file an I824 and pay $200 to have the petition forwarded to the NVC. Happy New Year!	riblet	Female	Canada	2007-01-01 11:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Is it true you cannot file an I 129F if you have an approved I 130?	I think that the extra $200 would now make the option more expensive to return to Canada. My understanding - although I never added it up myself - was that AOS cost the same as pursuing CR1, so I thought that now it would cost an extra $200 + the trip back. I'll try to figure out it all out so I know for later I'm glad we're just getting the CR1 through Montreal though, it makes the most sense for us! It is true that many Canadians choose to enter on the K3 and then go back to Canada just for the interview. They can stay in the U.S. until the CR/IR1 interview, and it is often faster than filing AOS. Choosing to enter on the K3 does not in any way abandon the CR/IR1 process. But, I'm sure far less people will be doing this now that they will most likely have to file the I824 and pay $200 to have an I130 sent to the NVC if they already have an approved I129F. HI, You either have to pay the fees now with the cr-1.....or pay the fees later with k-3 and adjustment of status...6 of one half dozen of the other....at least with cr-1 you dont have to jump through anymore hoops once your in the US...nothing to do for 2 years when you go for lifting of conditions. Jazzy	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-31 18:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Is it true you cannot file an I 129F if you have an approved I 130?	It is true that many Canadians choose to enter on the K3 and then go back to Canada just for the interview. They can stay in the U.S. until the CR/IR1 interview, and it is often faster than filing AOS. Choosing to enter on the K3 does not in any way abandon the CR/IR1 process. But, I'm sure far less people will be doing this now that they will most likely have to file the I824 and pay $200 to have an I130 sent to the NVC if they already have an approved I129F.	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-31 13:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Received the IV fee bill	Since the AoS and IV fee bill are on two separate tracks at the NVC, this is certainly possible. I'm fairly certain I've seen things happen in this order for other people. As it's only be just over 2 weeks since you submitted the AoS fee, I wouldn't worry about it too much Are you checking the phone system at the NVC for updates? Good luck with the rest of the process!! Today I received my IV fee bill which I will send off tomorrow. My AOS paperwork has not arrived yet. I am wondering if anyone else has had this happen?	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-30 11:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Manila Interview scheduled!!!!	Congratulations!!	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-31 18:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Case Complete	That would be great if they can just switch the interview!! Good luck	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-31 18:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	When will AOS and Form DS-3032 be generated?	I'm sorry about your frustration, but it does look like things are progressing for you I'm curious if you've actually tried calling the NVC line... if you see my signature, our case was received at NVC Dec.14. I called the NVC on Dec. 26 (tuesday) nothing... and then called on Dec. 27 (wednesday) and the system had been updated! So, it looks like things are still moving despite holidays. Also - my understanding is that the generation of forms happens on Mondays, and then the phone system is updated on Tuesdays. My husband just received the DS3032 in the mail today which is impressive considering it was mailed out on the 26th. As for the IV Fee Bill - do you have anyone that can check your mail for you that you trust? All they have to do is return it with a money order for $380. I hope the rest of your journey is smooth, thank goodness you were able to expedite your daughter's I130!!	riblet	Female	Canada	2007-01-02 11:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Confused about the DS-230	The instructions from the NVC depend on which country you are from - there are two different groups: English Language Instruction Packet: Instructions for Immigrant Visa Applicants (applying in Albania, Canada, Lebanon, Philippines, Turkey, United Arab Emirates or on the continent of Africa) Instructions for Immigrant Visa Applicants (NOT applying in Albania, Canada, Lebanon, Philippines, Turkey, United Arab Emirates or on the continent of Africa) see link: http://travel.state....types_1309.html Unfortunately YES. He will have to fly all the way back to get a police certificate. We already had a police certificate but it was over one year old and we had to fly back to Canada from Florida just so we could get a new police certificate and mail it in with the DS-230. What a pain in the ####### and what a waste of money. We could have taken it direcxtly to the consulate with us as we have to do that with the medical anyway...But they INSISTED that they MUST get the poilce certificate at the NVC or they will NOT forward the case for interview to Montreal Consulate. I would not waste time if I were you! I would hurry up in sending him to get his police certificate NOW. You never know what delays there might be inthem issuing it. The answer to this as far as I can tell is that it depends on what country the beneficiary is from. Some countries (such as Canada) you do have to submit them all... whereas with other countries you submit them at the consulate. Try checking in the regional forums I've confused myself further. After reading Aussie Wench's shortcuts, she mentioned having the beneficiary fill out the DS-230 while you are waiting for the forms to be generated and once I receive the DS-230 from the NVC then submit the form that has already been filled out by the beneficiary along with the cover letter with the barcode back to the NVC. Am I correct in that my husband should gather all of his documentation i.e. birth certificate, police certificates, marriage certificate etc. and send them to me now, and that all of this information should be sent in with Part I of the DS-230? If so, then I suppose that my husband will need to fly back to his home country to pick up his police certificate so that I can send it in with part I? I hope my question is clear because at this point I am not quite sure on this portion of the process. Thanks! yes, since your consulate is part of the alpha group, you have to submit the police report, birth certificate, marriage certificate, ds 230 part 1, to the NVC. If you have not received them, you should start working on those now.. What do you mean since I am part of the alpha group?	riblet	Female	Canada	2007-01-02 11:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Confused about the DS-230	The answer to this as far as I can tell is that it depends on what country the beneficiary is from. Some countries (such as Canada) you do have to submit them all... whereas with other countries you submit them at the consulate. Try checking in the regional forums I've confused myself further. After reading Aussie Wench's shortcuts, she mentioned having the beneficiary fill out the DS-230 while you are waiting for the forms to be generated and once I receive the DS-230 from the NVC then submit the form that has already been filled out by the beneficiary along with the cover letter with the barcode back to the NVC. Am I correct in that my husband should gather all of his documentation i.e. birth certificate, police certificates, marriage certificate etc. and send them to me now, and that all of this information should be sent in with Part I of the DS-230? If so, then I suppose that my husband will need to fly back to his home country to pick up his police certificate so that I can send it in with part I? I hope my question is clear because at this point I am not quite sure on this portion of the process. Thanks!	riblet	Female	Canada	2006-12-13 16:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CAN SOMEONE HELP ME PLEASE	I am using Jame's shortcuts - but I was able to edit and paste the barcode without any issues. I'm just not quite as far along in the process as you are though. I don't think it's a sign or anything that it hasn't worked yet Have you tried using other programs to edit the barcode? I used both paint and picasa. good luck again	riblet	Female	Canada	2007-01-03 00:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CAN SOMEONE HELP ME PLEASE	Hi there I know I've seen people with other advice, but the one that I remember is that you can actually just print off the barcode and glue it on! I know it sounds too simple to be true, but other people have said it works I hope the rest of the process goes by quickly. I can't wait until ours is getting close to complete too We have everything ready to go.	riblet	Female	Canada	2007-01-02 19:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	SOO HAPPY..but what do i do next?	Congratulations, that's very good news My biggest piece of advice is to really study the NVC Flowchart from the guides: http://www.visajourn...wchart_v1-2.pdf ) and the NVC Timesavers Thread: http://www.visajourn...?showtopic=117) They really helped me understand what to expect next. Good luck with the rest of the journey	riblet	Female	Canada	2007-01-03 21:20:00