ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo I have an NOA1 here?

I just had this same question, I posted in the August filers thread! Great (or confused?) minds think alike ;-). I live in Georgia, but mine was sent to California. Glad to hear this isn't out of the ordinary.


Looks like we are in the same boat my friend. Just hope we're headed for a happy destination.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-09-03 21:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo I have an NOA1 here?

There is a form called G-1145 which is supposed to send you email correspondence of receipt of your petition.

It sounds like this email is in response to your G-form. You should get your official NOA1 in the mail fairly soon.

Good luck !


Yep bobby_kvisa...I made sure to include that.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-09-03 19:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo I have an NOA1 here?
Love ya Loto! :D

Seriously, thanks for staying on top of things! Yeah, I'm a software guy, like you, and those links are great!

Thanks too to bobby_kvisa.

Like I said...I think I'm in the game now!

It's a small victory, but a very sweet one for me and my wife...It doesn't take much to make me happy!
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-09-03 19:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo I have an NOA1 here?
Hi friends,

Ok, just got my first e-mail from USCIS. So I think I'm officially in the game now. This looks like an e-mail telling me I'm past the NOA1 gate. The only strange thing about it is that I live in South Carolina...and looking at their web site for the the the service center that handles my area, I should be handled by the USCIS Texas Service Center. But...this is what I got:

Dear Applicant/Petitioner:

Your USCIS application/petition has been received and routed to the California Service Center for processing. Within 7-10 days by standard mail you will receive your official Receipt Notice (Form I-797) with your Receipt Number XXXXXXXXXXXXX. With the official Receipt Notice (Form I-797) you may visit www.uscis.gov where you can check the status of your application using My Case Status. We suggest you wait until you have received your Form I-797 before checking My Case Status.

This confirmation provides notification of the date USCIS received your application/petition. This notice does NOT grant any immigration status or benefit. You MAY NOT present this notice as evidence that you have been granted any immigration status or benefit. Further, this notice does NOT constitute evidence that your application remains pending with USCIS. The current status of your application/petition must be verified with USCIS.

PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE


So they sent me to the California Service Center...is that normal? Or will I get forwarded to the Texas Service Center later? I know things have been very weird in 2010, but I'm just curious how I wound up way out west. Not a crisis, but anybody else had this happen. BTW, they received this in August, but I guess I'm really in the September group. Is that the way it works?
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-09-03 18:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEZ IR1/CR1 entire process!
Very nice...great overview, especially for folks new to the process who just want to get the flow fast! Well done!
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-09-10 17:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmarrying family members for green card

Sadly this isn't made up, I wish it was, thank you for all your input , you guys have provided a lot of good points. I don't support it or condone it, and I'm cutting my ties if he doesn't make the right decision because I see this is a real serious ordeal.


You are doing the right thing, painful though it may be. If you stay with somebody who does this kind of stuff, it will eventually drag you down as well. It's clear from this post that you aren't that type.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-09-14 18:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAugust CR-1 Filers

Hello,

July filers exist and I believe they are helping each other. Let's also post our concerns here too.

AUGUST filers!!! Shoot!


First congrats and welcome to the August club. There is already an August filers topic, so come join us over here:

August 2010 Filers Link
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-09-19 10:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew Fee for I 130
Man, I'm glad I made it in under the wire. $65...That's one hell of a price increase.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-09-24 05:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBona fide CR1 marriage when living apart?

This has dual benefits:
1) MaximizeTM the refund. In other words owe less tax
2) It is the secondary evidence of the bona fide marriage

Consulate will see it along with your I-864 package and chances of AP will be minimized :star:

Loto


Indeed it does. Thank you again.

As far as additional evidence goes, I think a Will might help too...should have one anyway, again, in case somethings happens. But I think that would show additional evidence of a bona fide relationship. I had forgotten about that until just now. Time to get that going.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-09-30 21:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBona fide CR1 marriage when living apart?

Magdasal,

I am not the first, I know some of them here in VJ who have also done it :star:

First of all, you won't get ITIN if you request it stand alone.

Since you are married this year, you are qualified to file Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) in the year 2010.

Most (may be all) of the online tax filing software will not e-file with blank SSN column.

So, you need to file your 1040 MFJ by mailing it to Austin, Texas Address:
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342

Her SSN column will be blank in 1040.

Include completed and signed W-7 form with supporting documents such as her passport copy etc. along with 1040.

Don't forget to include her foreign income in 1040, if any. For MFJ, worldwide income must be shown.

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me to maximize the benefits :)

Loto


Thanks Loto! I'll give that a shot...she has no foreign income (I support her entirely), so that's actually good in this case. Really, this is great news! I let you know how this works out. I'll be filing in January (though I'm making estimated payments in December).
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-09-30 20:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBona fide CR1 marriage when living apart?

What impossible to get - ITIN? :star:

I did it myself in the year 2007, when she was in India and filing for her first GC.

If you want to know the steps, please let me know.

Loto


Wow! Yes, let me know! You are the first I've heard from who has done it!
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-09-30 20:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBona fide CR1 marriage when living apart?

How about a joint tax return (MFJ) with his/her ITIN? This will save lot of money too. Another financial tip :star:

Loto


Joint tax return is a toughie if your spouse has never been to the US. ITIN is almost impossible to get. I looked at that one...it's really hopeless...not impossible, but I've yet to read from anybody who's gotten it to work.

The insurance sounds like a good one...I need to do that soon, not just for USCIS but because I want to make sure she has something if anything happens to me.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-09-30 20:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIgor's List
Yeah, I'm sure is a 'reason' for the timeline of every single case...but we'll probably never know what it is. Our I-130s went into a big black box and nobody outside of that box knows when it will spit out a result.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-10-02 18:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCr1 Requirement
I submitted something like a 'evolution of relationship' letter with mine. Really, just a simple timeline (when and how we met, when we became a couple, when I visited, when we got engaged..etc) just to explain the evidence I was providing. Figured it might be extra fluff, but if they had any questions about what they were looking at, it was my hope that this short (2/3 page timeline letter) would explain it. Really, I don't know if it did any good or not. Good luck!
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-10-09 08:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo i need a co- sponsor if ..

You may also use your assets when filing I864 - such as value of bank account, net value of investments, property, car. These must add up to 3x the 125% poverty line, so around $65,000 if you have zero income for the current year. EDIT: add "net" above



Oh, lord, I hope not. If it is a family of just 2 (husband and wife), shouldn't that be $54,636 (3x$18,212)? That's the one I've been going for...just in case they don't like my short term, self-employed income this year. Where did you get $65,000 net, if you don't mind me asking?
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-11-16 21:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI dont have tax returns etc.

i am the petitioner and i have never had to file anything, i started my first "real" job in the last couple months, before that i really just worked part time

I have a co sponsor...theres nobody here like me or with a template or something?


If you have a co-sponsor, then you are all set. It's their tax returns that get filed to prove sufficient support. And yes, there is tons of information around here concerning co-sponsorship and people who have gone that route.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-11-21 18:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStill TOUCHED 1 week everyday already

best wishes to you, that may mean something!!!
:)

that may mean something!! wish the NOA2 for you soon!!! I know how awful is to wait
Wish you the best!!! )


They are looking at you and that is good. Better than sitting back in the warehouse. I'm betting you'll get some good news very soon. Best wishes!
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-11-30 20:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG...After nothing for 3 mos, I got a touch and am in Post Decision

Ha--I do remember that!!! You were so right (and I am SO glad!)!!! Anyway, sorry to hijack your thread--but thanks everyone!!!


Not a hijack...just another member happy today! Glad to have all the good news...this thread didn't actually start as a celebration but a question...because I didn't read the fine print. But, hey let's celebrate and give our best hopes and wishes to those still waiting.

Thanks to you all and I hope all of your cases are happy too!
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-12-01 20:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG...After nothing for 3 mos, I got a touch and am in Post Decision

whow! why its so fastttttttttttt just 3 monthssssssss????its faster than k1?whta is goin on???mine is k1 and we filed it middle of september2010,,,but all i can say is congratz!


No idea...I hope this means CSC is starting to catch up on Spouse/Fiance visas now. A lot of people have waited longer than us lucky ones...so I hope they really start to burn through the backlog now. Your time will come soon. Just keep checking on that status.

:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:


:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:


Thank you! Hope you get yours soon...hang in there!
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-12-01 06:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG...After nothing for 3 mos, I got a touch and am in Post Decision

Congratulations Magdasal!!! Ours was approved today too!!! I'M SO EXCITED!!! I've read it about 10 times.

So maybe this isn't an isolated incident--more approvals coming this week? Or maybe we were just in the same box!


Hah! Great news Kikapoo :dance: :dance: :dance:

I remember you...we filed at almost exactly the same time and we exchanged comments about it. If I remember, I last said to you that it looks like we were in the same boat...indeed, it does look like we were actually in the same box!

Anyway, congrats!

Congrats! I'm always happy to see when others have gotten approved. It makes the long wait not feel as bad because I know others have gone (and are going through) the same thing and there is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel. Hope you speed through the NVC stage! Best of luck :thumbs:


Thank you and exactly right...there is light at the end of the tunnel for all those waiting. Best wishes for a speedy USCIS process!
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-12-01 06:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG...After nothing for 3 mos, I got a touch and am in Post Decision

wow 3 months and no expedite?! that's fantastic! congrats! :thumbs:

hope ours get through that quickly as well


I hope yours moves as fast too! Something is definitely happening at CSC this week...
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-12-01 06:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG...After nothing for 3 mos, I got a touch and am in Post Decision

Awesome! You're in great luck. All the best then!


Thank you lucas_34! And I hope you get approved soon. BTW, could you take a couple of minutes to fill out your timeline? It would really help a lot of people here. I know those, like you, who are still waiting, would like to know how long this takes and every person who fills it out get's their statistics counted so the estimates become much better. Thanks a lot!
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-11-30 21:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG...After nothing for 3 mos, I got a touch and am in Post Decision

Congratulations Magdasal. I feel your excitement and am very happy for you and your wife. But you did not answer my question. I asked does it say you were approved or does it say that state dept sent it back to uscis for review. Both of these would be in post decision activity therefore I ask. Please advise. Thank you!


Sorry lucas_34 for not answering your question more directly....it says I was approved...just that. Best wishes and best of luck!
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-11-30 20:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG...After nothing for 3 mos, I got a touch and am in Post Decision

A conversation between 2 parties...

First: Hey, I got approved!
Second: When will I get mine?
No response to the question :o :o :o


Another conversation between 2 parties...

First: Hey, I got approved!
Second: Congratulations! When will I get mine?
First: Thank you! Based on your timeline it can come soon!
Second one is happy too :)

Sorry magdasal, to hijack your thread!

Loto


:lol: No problem Loto...you make a very good point. When you get your petition approved, you should also encourage others...since you've walked a mile in their shoes too. And you have been one of the best cheerleaders here and given a lot of people good hope...it's coming, though you may not believe until it happens...like me. I can say now to those still waiting...the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor. Just read up here and take some time with the package and you are sure to get what you need.

Now, I've got to start tackling this NVC stuff...so I've definitely got some more reading to do.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-11-30 20:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG...After nothing for 3 mos, I got a touch and am in Post Decision

Did it go to post decision activity saying your I-130 was approved or that State Dept sent the case back to USCIS for additional review???


Well..it was our I-130 that got approved...never been to State yet. Apparently, Post Decision is usually good when it comes to USCIS. I just didn't grasp the words I read at all the first time. I should have calmed down and read more carefully before I posted.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-11-30 20:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG...After nothing for 3 mos, I got a touch and am in Post Decision

congrats
:thumbs:


Thank you! Seems it isn't so hopeless after all. I really hope the TSC get's a fire under it and approves you soon! Best of luck.

I've done that before, and then you'll read it again and again just to make sure you aren't going crazy! :no: Congrats!! :dance:


Yeah, and the shock still hasn't worn off. I really wasn't expecting this at all. In fact, I was pretty convinced that I would probably get an RFE. I'm still numb. Thank you and best wishes to you and yours.

Congratulations! Now speed through NVC!


Thank you! And I hope you fly through yours as well. Believe me, it's a great feeling...one I hope you have very soon!
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-11-30 20:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG...After nothing for 3 mos, I got a touch and am in Post Decision

Congratulations, magdasal :dance: :dance: :dance:

Welcome to NVC club!

Loto


Thanks Loto! Appreciate the help and support you've given :yes:

it was looked at , it was moved, every time it's picked up thats a touch, just lets hope it's not a rfe, i would not get to exicated yet, good luck


I didn't read the web page fully...we got it! I was too stunned when I saw it had been touched.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-11-30 18:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG...After nothing for 3 mos, I got a touch and am in Post Decision

I know...everybody does a post like this, but I'm really, REALLY excited right now. My case hasn't been touched since it was received at CSC on 9/1...but today, it was touched and went straight to 'Post Decision Activity'. No RFE's. Does that mean what I hope and pray it means?


Nevermind...we got our NOA2! :dance: :dance:

On November 30, 2010, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.


magdasalMalePhilippines2010-11-30 18:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG...After nothing for 3 mos, I got a touch and am in Post Decision
I know...everybody does a post like this, but I'm really, REALLY excited right now. My case hasn't been touched since it was received at CSC on 9/1...but today, it was touched and went straight to 'Post Decision Activity'. No RFE's. Does that mean what I hope and pray it means?
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-11-30 18:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes the NVC read VJ?

I was just sitting here thinking and wondering if the NVC has ever read about us here at VJ? Do they know about our long waits, do they care? We are real and genuine and want to do everything the legal way to be with our loved ones. We are rare, but our resolve is strong. How many other couples do you know that have to wait so long to live with their wives and husbands? It is tough, but I was just scratching my head hoping they understand us here and well..I'd rather they be working on our case than reading VJ, but hey...everyone one has "some" spare time... :P


I would tend to doubt it...who would want to spend all day looking at visa applications then go to a web-site dedicated to trying to figure out how to get through that process?

All the information they need (and can use for their decisions) is in the packages they get and available on their Government networked computers.

Really, if I worked there, I would stay as far away from that subject as I could on my off hours...and I doubt they have much time for general web-surfing on the job.

Edited by magdasal, 02 December 2010 - 11:43 PM.

magdasalMalePhilippines2010-12-02 23:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPersonal notarized affidavits

We have plenty of other strong evidence, i.e. I'll be on his life insurance, health benefits and will, a truckload of pictures, we'll have a marriage certificate obviously, chat logs/e-mails dating from 2007 to now and beyond, flight itineraries with passport stamps and boarding passes, etc. But what I've learned from VJ is the more the better, so whatever applies to us I will prepare and send.

Thanks for the advice :thumbs:


With all of that evidence you are in great shape then. I really am a believer in front loading the petition (worked for me!). Best wishes on a speedy approval.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-12-02 23:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPersonal notarized affidavits

For secondary proof of bona fide marriage. My future spouse (USC) has free legal services provided for him. So if we were to write the affidavit (how we met, how long we knew each other before marriage, etc), is it mandatory to have it notarized by a legal representative? How have others done it? I know that notaries are meant to be done by lawyers, but I just want to double check :)

I think I'll be starting CR1 in a couple months :blush:


Well, according to many, affidavits, in general, are considered to be the weakest of the secondary articles of evidence to start with. I'm not so sure about it, so I included 2 in my package.

However, I would say that an notarized 'affidavit' from either the petitioner or the beneficiary would be a waste of time...at least as a form of secondary evidence. The entire petition itself is based on premise that the petitioner who is filing it is making a legal and truthful claim...one with consequences if he/she is not being forthright. So a notarized affidavit is somewhat redundant, at best.

Now, a signed statement from the petitioner describing the evolution of the relationship does have value, I think (since I did it myself) in clarifying for the examiner the dates, places and significant events in a relationship. Not so much as a legal affidavit, but just a source of relavent information that makes the other evidence in your petition more understandable.

So, I say include such a letter (keep it brief and only cover the most significant events that you have provided other evidence for). Just don't bother getting it notarized...a formal letter format with signature and date will make it as official as it needs to be.

Affidavits from other 3rd party witnesses (which are a valid source of evidence) should be notarized according to the I-130 instructions (USCIS requires certain information be included on the notarized document) by a notary public (or lawyer).
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-12-02 22:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI wanna an explanation to understand...

Hi...thanks for ur response.
Can be sure that all of us are trying to keep with our minds in control, but exist some realities that we cant give them our back. A lot of couples are having problems with this kind of procedures and few of them finished giving up or divorced, or fighting, or cheating, or having depression and lot of other things; which arent wellness in our relationships if we havent the knowledge to can manage it.
This ppl are not function good and they are desorganaized and without a structure; by that are occuring what is ocurring with the cases.

While other countries, that we can see, they let the spouses or bfs come to the country for visit or live without the kind of unsane way that USA Government adopted to be by their own mistakes and having his nose where dont need stay. And all of us, as victims of this government system, need sacrifice our life and our loved ppl too. Its really unfair, cruel, unsaine, and is a system of dictatorship in an alleged free democratic system, that everyday makes us fall deeper. Hasnt new good ideas to renovate this system for makes us get a better quality of life.

And how dont talk about all of this and let it know in all forums... are not a brave proud one, bcz we must make respect our self infront of all and let them know what they are making wrong and bring to them ideas to fix all of this. But if the ppl will be acting conformist by nothing... what we are showing??? Sure, I will let hear my voice in defend of the human rights, no matter where... here, there or in other place.

Dont get mad my posture... Its my real opinion about it and i cant just stay looking a clock to wait the time come to have my husband at home. We married to be a family in thats precise moment in our wedding, not 1 yr latter after our marriage. And I can give thx to God bcz i didnt get be pregnant and see then that i will be alone in that period of time; how occured to a lot of woman.

Have a nice nite...


It's a frustrating and seemingly arbitrary process...there is no doubt about that. And I'm speaking as someone who got through the petition process faster than most. Having acknowledged that and being very grateful, it seems very arbitrary and overly taxing to me as well. I still feel for those who filed before me and still don't have a result. Some of it is international geo-politics...something none of us have any control over.

I disagree that it is deliberately cruel...not that it makes you feel any better if it isn't...it still feels the same. All large government bureaucracies operate in mysterious ways that make sense on some level, but outside the system, make no sense at all.

The truth is, you can only pray and do all that is asked of you. In the end, the odds will eventually work in your favor...though the wait may be long. Consider this as one of God's tests of your love for each other. Determine that you will pass the test and be together sooner rather than later. That is the best comfort you can have over a process that you cannot control.

Best wishes on a speedy approval...and stay optimistic, though it is hard.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-12-02 22:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 WAS APPROVED. Post Decision Activity? Now what?

So what I will be relieving in the mail will be my NOA2? I'm sure they'll have instructions on what fees I'll be needing to pay and what not, yes?
I have a little thing from my step mother's immigration lawyer, but it may be out dated. All the huge steps with all the terms and not is simply confusing. I find it easier to HEAR it from someone. It makes it easier.


Congrats :dance: :dance: :dance:

I see you are from CSC and are also a September filer...I really do think CSC is firing on all cylinders now. Welcome to the NVC club!
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-12-02 22:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdenied

Lagos is famous for denying for "lack of bonafide relationship" Is this the reason they used ? It is important that your husband make a record of what happened at the interview to help build your response to their claims. Have he write down like a play all the things that happened. Include what was said .. the questions and the answers and any thing else he can remember. What evidence do you include or take to the interview and what, if any, questions did he miss?


I'm very sorry to hear about this. It seems they really don't believe you. Maybe there were some 'red-flags' you weren't aware of. You really need to go back and carefully look at all of the evidence you provided. Something is wrong with the way you presented your petition. If they didn't buy it, it probably (not necessarily, but probably) means you made a mistake of some kind. They are more strict in areas that are considered high-fraud. Fair or not, you need to accept that your package was not convincing enough and either appeal or start over and resubmit an I-130. Before you make that decision, though, you need to really look at your package again. Like I said...something was wrong with it in some way for your region.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-12-04 23:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Affidavits

Hey ya'll just another quick question.. The 3rd party affidavits that we are going to be sending along with the I-130, does anyone know if they have to have a signature and notarized or is their contact info enough since they arent a MUST?


Well, I guess it depends on whether they get to those or not...an affidavit, by definition, should be notarized and must include the contact/identity information USCIS specifies...of course, your evidence may be so good, they don't really care (and that may be the case...they are considered the lowest level of relationship evidence according to many). I say, if you include them, then get them signed and notarized...otherwise, don't bother sending them.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-12-04 23:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Checklist

We are almost ready to mail off our I-130 petition and wanted to see if there was anything that anyone might urge me to add or give me some second thoughts on it.

We obviously have our
I-130
G-325a (both)
joint bank statements
My birth certificate
emails, letters, Skype call records between us and family
13 Affidavits
Marriage Certificate
Payment
Divorce Decrees
Pictures of us together and with others
Wedding save the date and invitation
wedding receipt for dress and flowers
Flight details for us both
Wedding cards and Christmas cards addressed to us both
Costco membership details


ANYTHING else I should include?? Am I missing something?

and I know there was some detailed instructions on how to assemble the package would anyone have the link?

Thanks,
Rose


That looks like a solid package. I really don't think you will have any problems. It's just the luck of the draw these days in how long it will take to get through USCIS though. Catch the right service center at the right time and it will fly through. Get a bit less lucky and catch the wrong SC, and it will take quite a while longer. Either way, I'm sure you will make it through. Here's hoping you have a bit of luck!
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-12-04 23:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPost Decision Activity -

USCIS is a sub-division of the State Department, and the NVC is also the State Department.

It could be a pending approval although perhaps theres more to it - have you had any RFE's and responded in a timely manner if so?


Well, no, actually it is under an entirely different department of the government...Department of Homeland Security...which is NOT the State Department. So going back the USCIS is unusual but not unprecendented. I'm not saying it's good or bad, but this does seem significant...just not how significant.
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-11-27 21:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Approved!!
:dance: :dance: :dance:

Great to see all of these approvals lately!
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-12-09 18:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPlease Advice with my I-130
I think you just got caught in the Thanksgiving Holiday backup. Probably added several more days to the normal acceptance processing. I'm sure you'll get it very soon. I hope you also included a form G-1145 to your package...if you did you'll get e-mail and phone text notification when it's officially accepted. It's really nice (when it works).
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-12-09 18:48:00