ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresinfo for SLEC Medical Exam

Hi Everyone! I already have an interview schedule this 7/7/2011, Can anyone here give me an idea on how many days will it take before I can have the results of my medical exam? Those who have been through with the medical exams please share your experience.


You'll know on the second day of the medical. If you have to have a sputum test, they'll let you know on day 2 and that will probably delay the interview. If you finish the medical on the second day, with no further testing required and they don't tell you otherwise, then you have passed the medical and they will forward the results to the embassy ahead of your interview. Hope that answers your question. BTW, I see your interview is the same day as my wife's. You'll probably bump into her there. Congratulations :dance:
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-05-28 08:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan't reach NVC - phones down?

Is anyone else having this problem? I tried calling all weekend to and the phone just rang and never picked up. It's still not working - I'll try again in a few hours when the operators should be working and will see what happens, though they could be closed for memorial day. grrr... :angry:


Yep, AVR is not picking up. I've seen this happen before. They'll fix it tomorrow I guess.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-05-30 05:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC payment center database error

Guess nobody is working on the weekend:)


Yeah, an extended holiday weekend at that.

BTW, all I ever got was an e-mail containing the receipts for the VI and AOS bills. They never sent me anything else. I had to download the coversheets from their website. That may or may not be the norm, but that's what happened in my case.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-05-29 09:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC payment center database error
Their web site goes down occasionally...usually when you need it to work. Keep trying. The had scheduled maintenance on the same day they closed my case and I was getting a SIF, but wasn't sure it was a real SIF until they finished their maintenance over the weekend.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-05-28 08:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiled tax return as single
I had a similar issue...getting an ITIN was simply not feasible because, given her remote location, the level of travel, expense and time for my wife would have been very large. I had already filed my 2010 taxes as single...but I was determined to file an amended return to show may status as married because I believed single status might work against us in the interview.

I called the IRS and explained the situation. After researching the problem, the very helpful agent informed me that I could file a married filing separate with no ITIN...I just couldn't claim any tax benifit (i.e., couldn't use my married status to reduce my taxes) if I didn't have an ITIN.

No problem...I can amend again later when she gets here and get that nice tax refund. For now, I just want her here with me.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-06-12 17:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures2010 Tax Transcript Question

If anyone knows, I just got my federal tax return back a few weeks ago... but my state return was still waiting for the ITIN number for my wife. Hence, my state return is still being processed.

Seeing as I just got my NOA2 today, I'm wondering if I request my tax transcripts from the IRS do I need to wait for the state return to process or can I go ahead and request them now? (E.G. Do the state returns show up on the transcripts? May be a dumb question, but I'm not sure what the transcripts even show on them! lol)

Thanks!


NVC doesn't care about your state returns, only Federal....and the IRS may look at state returns at some point in the future to crosscheck that you aren't cheating them, but the state returns don't hold up anything as far as your IRS returns go. Once you've got all your IRS returns/transcripts ready for you package, you are ready to go...forget about the state returns...those are strictly between you and your state.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-06-14 17:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere will Port of Entry be on wife's CR1?
The POE is wherever she enters the US. Based on that flight itinerary, that will be Newark.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-06-18 11:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarch 2010 CR1 filers
Congrats Russ and Mary...wow, it took a long time, but I know you are happy now :dance:
magdasalMalePhilippines2010-08-31 18:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPrepping for the Interview in Manila

Thanks all for your replies and advice. What's really strange now is that when I emailed the embassy directly regarding our case being expedited, they replied to me last night stating that my wife's interview is on the 7th now. It's really strange to have 2 dates. My wife called and they confirmed that her new date is the 7th. That's less than 2 weeks away now. WOOHOO!!!


Congrats! That's the same day as my wife's interview.

Sadly, I'm pretty sure my wife won't get outright approval during her interview because it took her too long to get her Hong Kong police certificate application submitted...with only 2 weeks, it won't be there in time, I'm pretty sure. I guess we'll get a 221g after the interview :(
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-06-25 08:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHK PCC not there in time for the interview

Yes she should get a new NBI.


Yeah, I convinced her...she's going to do it. Thanks for the advice...and best of luck!
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-06-28 20:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHK PCC not there in time for the interview

Embassy often asks for recent certificates including NBI. So, it'd be better for your wife to obtain a new one.

Good Luck!


Indeed, I guess we should...her clearance is over 6 months old...really 7 on the the day of the interview. Thanks to all for the advice.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-06-26 11:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHK PCC not there in time for the interview

I do believe the CO will tell her she's approved if the PCC is the only thing lacking.

Make sure she has a new NBI from Philippines if it's been a while since she obtained one. They will ask for a new one for sure.


Hi Norwood, for for the replies :) ...she has an NBI issued on January 7, 2011...you think they'll ask for a new one?
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-06-26 08:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHK PCC not there in time for the interview
Thank you both for the replies...yeah, I knew they wouldn't approve it without the clearance, but wasn't sure if they say something like 'you passed the interview, but you won't get the visa until we get the clearance'...so at least we know that the interview was passed.

Not worried about her getting cleared by HK...she's golden...just hate the thought of waiting around again for some unknown period of time waiting on the visa to show up.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-06-25 17:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHK PCC not there in time for the interview
Well, if it's not one thing, it's another.

Had a very hard time getting the application for the HK PCC filed after we got our NVC letter (long story, but thank god wife had a cousin who just went there to work or we may still be trying).

Looks very unlikely it will be at the embassy in time for the interview (filed on June 22, interview is July 7th...only 2 weeks time...HK says it takes 4 weeks).

So, just to make sure, I suppose wife is going to get a 221g at the interview? Or does something else happen? Just want to get our expectations right. I'm pretty bummed about it.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-06-25 14:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Supporting Documentation
B/W is fine...as long as it's clear a legible.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-03 14:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhilippine NBI or Police Clearance
You will need the NBI clearance and only the NBI clearance. You will need to submit that to the NVC with your DS-230.

Best of luck on a speedy process!
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-03 08:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshad to resend Documents
Oh, sorry...electronic processing. Didn't know. Hopefully someone will be along to give you some good advice.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-08 18:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshad to resend Documents
Did you ever send the originals? All documents that go to the NVC need to be originals or certified copies..you can't send originals or certified copies thru e-mail, you have to snail-mail them (or FedEx them, but you get the picture).
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-08 18:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffirmation of material fact
Yeah, keep in mind that the CR-1 petition is itself an 'Affirmation', backed by major legal penalties against you (and your spouse) if fraud is found. Any other statements by you as to the truthfulness of what you have submitted, notorized or not, are completely redundant. The EOR letter helps them understand your relationship and that seems to be the real catch for visas from China...like Pushbrk and Darnell have stated...that is where the real value is...convincing them that you have a real, bonafide relationship.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-08 19:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShould we worry? ds-230 part 2 not signed during interview

Update: Right before we called the embassy the courier service called my husband to make sure he was "onsite" in order to deliver package. So long story short we received the package with the mysterious yellow envelope and passport with CR-1 visa :D


package includes:
-passport
-one sheet explaining that he has until Nov to use his visa, not to open the yellow envelope
-sheet explaining conditional status
-sheet explaining how to get a social security number
-2 thick yellow envelopes stapled together, glued closed, and with the corner snipped off (i wanna take a peek but im afraid of ripping them open hehehe :blush: )


So he never got to sign ds-230 part II but My hubby will be taking a signed ds-230 to POE with him just in case.

p.s Magdasal thanks for ur input!


Well, it doesn't matter for you now :D but I talked to my wife and asked her explicitly if she signed the DS-230 (since she didn't mention it after the interview) and she said yes...so I was wrong, not a change in policy. Just wanted to correct it so anybody searching doesn't think that has changed. But for you, it doesn't matter...you got the visa in hand.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-10 11:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShould we worry? ds-230 part 2 not signed during interview

Update: Right before we called the embassy the courier service called my husband to make sure he was "onsite" in order to deliver package. So long story short we received the package with the mysterious yellow envelope and passport with CR-1 visa :D


package includes:
-passport
-one sheet explaining that he has until Nov to use his visa, not to open the yellow envelope
-sheet explaining conditional status
-sheet explaining how to get a social security number
-2 thick yellow envelopes stapled together, glued closed, and with the corner snipped off (i wanna take a peek but im afraid of ripping them open hehehe :blush: )


So he never got to sign ds-230 part II but My hubby will be taking a signed ds-230 to POE with him just in case.

p.s Magdasal thanks for ur input!


Congratulations :dance:

We're looking forward to the same before long. These sudden policy changes can really make you lose your hair prematurely for sure. Best of luck!
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-08 18:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShould we worry? ds-230 part 2 not signed during interview

Hello Vjers here is some background info:
We had our interview on Jun 21, beneficiary's fingerprints were taken, during interview we were asked to bring form I-864A to complete visa process. Beneficiary was not asked to sign form ds-230 part 2 at this point (understandably)
On june 29 beneficiary brought document and passport, they kept his passport took the documents and instructed to pay for delivery of visa package to his home, he was not asked to sign anything!

Should we worry about this? has anyone received visa without signing part 2 of DS-230? would they contact us?


Wife just had her interview in Manila. Everything was approved, but they are still waiting on the HK Police Certificate to arrive before they release the Visa. They didn't ask my wife to sign the DS-230 either, but there is nothing left to do at the Embassy. They said we are done and they would forward the Visa to her as soon as they get the HK Police Certificate. Maybe this is a change in policy with respect to the DS-230.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-07 05:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurestried logging in and got a red box

how will they notify me that my case has been completed? The last few things they sent me have been via email but i started out with regular mail? I am going to call them tomorrow! What are MENA forums?


They won't notify you that your case is complete...it will be in a few days...the next e-mail you will get from them is your interview letter and instructions about getting the medical. But when you call them, you can ask the status of your case, and they will tell you whether it is complete or not. Sometime it takes a few days or weeks from the time you get SIF to case complete.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-10 19:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurestried logging in and got a red box

the box says my case is not eligible for further processing with the NVC. What exactly does that mean? Does it mean my husband will get his appointment soon? if so how long does that usually take?


Yep, looks like you'll get case complete very soon. As far as how long it takes to get an interview appointment, that very much depends on the Embassy. I know Cairo interviews were disrupted for a while due to recent events there...so I'm not sure how long it takes. You many want to check the MENA forums for some recent interview times to get an idea. Best of luck!
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-10 16:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccinations at Medical Exam
My wife didn't have any vaccination records...so they gave her an arm full. Her arm was sore for a week afterword. So yes, they will give her all required vaccinations at SLEC, at no extra charge.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-09 09:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife in America, now...
I should mention...what I posted above only applies if your wife came under a CR-1 visa (married less that 2 years when you entered the country). IR-1's don't have to do anything else.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-10 12:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife in America, now...

Well now that my wife is here in the USA, what all do i need to do to legitimize the marriage here in the usa?


Are you thinking about the process of 'Removal of Conditions' perhaps? In about 2 years, you will need to submit an I-751, with evidence that your marriage is legitimate...perhaps that is what they were talking about.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-10 11:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling Heavily Front Loaded I-!30-Will all documentation be "kept"

Still confused. Front-loading advocates state that front-loading gets your relationship information to the embassy where it can be reviewed prior to the interview. Yet others imply that (extra) information sent with I-130 may not be available/forwarded to embassy unless it is sent after NOA2.

So, if I choose to front-load now, do I need to scan/send it again after NOA2?


Actually, except for the forms themselves, everything you send in with the USCIS package is a copy...don't send originals, as they aren't needed. So go ahead and frontload...and use copies and you don't care whether you get it back or not. Original docs are sent with the DS-230 package at the NVC stage (but not the same kinds of stuff...marriage license (certified copy will do), police clearances..that stuff is original and should make it to the embassy). For the interview, your wife should have the originals (or certified copies) of everything sent in the USCIS package.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-13 16:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC rocks!!rain the CC's & scheduling

NVC we love you


They're OK, but I wouldn't go that far. Now the Easter Bunny...he rocks!
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-17 19:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWill past DUI conviction affect CR-1?
As long as it's fully disclosed on the application, I really don't see this being a problem. It means more paperwork, of course, but I've seen much worse than this on VJ get through without a hitch.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-17 20:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresafter rfe and sign in fail
BTW, if you want more accurate information, that takes into account your country, you might want to fill in the basic information on your profile, like which country and maybe your timeline too, to help others. The information I gave you is somewhat country specific and there are some consulates where getting an interview date is faster and some where they are much, much slower.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-19 19:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresafter rfe and sign in fail
Well, 6 to 8 weeks is more of a worst case...most find out about their CC in 1 to 2 weeks or less after SIF (you won't be automatically notified of CC...you'll have to call and ask for you case status)...then another 2 to 4 weeks to get their interview date (with a nice e-mail package).
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-19 19:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCASE COMPLETE.....YAY!
Congratulations :dance:

Sounds like NVC's AVR system is in for another workout while you wait for your interview date :lol:
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-23 17:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa packet? How to get the passport?

Thank you... that's what I told my mom but she insists on cutting it. -_-
Is that okay, too? Sigh..


Yeah, she can cut the plastic part...but never cut the brown envelope...or touch it or look at it wrong... :blush:
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-29 19:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa packet? How to get the passport?
You can open the plastic and get the passport out, no problem. It's the brown envelope with the corner cut off that you must never open. There should be warning stickers and instructions telling about the brown envelope.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-27 18:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresself-employed

when self-employed, how would you fill out the employer and address section of the g-325a?


I just put 'Self-employed' and my home address. You are your own employer and unless you have an office, your home is your office.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-07-30 09:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhy would my case be in Phoenix Lockbox?

Wow! Nobody on this entire site had this issue? Oh no! I hope it is not serious!


I've seen them route to local USCIS offices before in 4 cases...1) Back during the TSC fiasco last year, they adjudicated some cases at local offices just to take the load off of the service centers (CSC, TSC & VSC) and 2) I've seen them do this when they want to interview the petitioner because red flags showed up in his or her check. Finally, 3) There was some very major mistake in the filing..wrong form was used or something making USCIS think this was an AOS or ROC. 4) And finally, USCIS just screwed up. In your case, since you seem to live around Baltimore somewhere, I doubt number 2 is the case. Only way to find out which it is...is to call USCIS and ask.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-08-02 18:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDenied at the interview? How is this possible?

The problem is that they keep their standards a complete mystery and then you find out only when it is too late. I also was with the understanding that the current income was more important than the previous, but I guess not. It all depends on the immigration official you are stuck with. That person makes the ultimate decision. Good luck to you too.


My understanding of the process is that if it's close, the CO makes the call...if it's not close, no worries. The minimums aren't really the set in stone, despite what it seems. Seen to many people who were close being put in the same position. Now that all the cards are on the table, at least you have a clear path to getting that visa issued. Best of luck :thumbs:
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-08-03 19:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNames complication( PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He's going to need a very, very good lawyer. Even if his mother withdraws the petition. I'm not sure which is his real name (it sounds like it's the second visa petition) but either way, one of those visa applications was blatantly fraudulent and there is no way he'll make it thru this process without a intense legal assistance.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-08-13 20:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBecoming Hopeless

its really disheartening to see people with priority dates and approval dates that are 3 weeks later than yours already have case complete and interview dates! I still have not received any invoices from the nvc and cannot pay any fees yet even though its been 25 days and 20 business days since my case number was first assigned at the nvc. I've called nvc everyday and all they tell me is that there is no reason for alarm and my case is running a normal timeline. Today when i called nvc i asked to talk to a supervisor so i was able to talk to a supervisor named Anna, she was less than helpful and every time i tried to speak she cut me off and kept saying "its on schedule sir", "its on schedule sir" it really pissed me off how rude she was. Has anyone ever had to wait this long to be able to pay their fees and start their case????????//


There has definitely been some kind of strange bottleneck at NVC in the last 3 months or so that is affecting a lot of people entering the NVC phase...though some others, somehow (prolly luck), avoided it. I suspect some kind of internal re-organization is going on there, but have no way of proving that theory since NVC hasn't commented on anything like that.

All I can say is hang in there...and keep calling. I'm sure you'll break thru soon.
magdasalMalePhilippines2011-08-13 14:30:00