Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE - 7/16/13	Haha. It's sad but we just have to laugh and take it in. We decided to blow the $600 on a plane ticket and visit each other this weekend to celebrate. Life's too short and I'm getting sick of being away from him.      I love that response - celebrate the "progress", stay positive and give yourselves a lil boost of happiness by getting to see each other.	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-07-16 14:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE - 7/16/13	At the beginning of this process I certainly never would have guessed I would get excited over and RFE....but here we are. Haha.  My case hasn't been touched yet, but yeah.  Glad yours is making some progress and I hope it gets worked out super easy and fast	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-07-16 12:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NOA2 last night! Feb filer VSC --> TSC 6/21 transfer	Yay! That is great!	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-07-19 08:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	October Filer Visa APPROVED!	That is awesome!  Congratulations	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-07-25 08:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Can I Get aaaaàaa....HALLELUJAH!!!! Lol: ) (Haiti)	Yay - congrats!!!!!	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-07-25 08:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Approved - Mar7 filer, not transferred to TX	Thanks - it is encouraging to hear of approvals!  It feels like the NOA2's have been at a standstill. Anyhow, YAY for you!!	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-08-14 12:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	VISA IN HAND!!!!	Yay!  That is awesome - congrats!	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-08-16 10:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Surprise NOA2!	Yay!!! Congrats!!!	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-08-22 08:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	regret ever starting this process	Being married already does not make the process go any faster...actually right now, I-130s are going slower than K-1.  I hope that you are able to get some answers and get the RFE sorted out. Wishing you the best! Edited by gwenstar, 03 September 2013 - 02:53 PM.	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-09-03 14:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Visa interview approved!	You could get a letter of employment from your job stating your current and year to date salary (and hire date) along with your most recent paystub - that's my best suggestion.   Also congrats on the approval!   Edited by gwenstar, 12 November 2013 - 12:05 PM.	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-11-12 12:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	My K1 story, maybe can help some people...	Sounds frustrating.  Glad to hear it had worked out.  Congratulations and best wishes to you on the next part of your journey	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2014-01-24 15:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Too early for medical?	It's totally fine to schedule early - the results are good for up to 6 months plus i am sure it will be. Ice to have it done and out of the way, ready to go to the interview	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2014-03-25 21:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Words of Encouragement...	After our approval, we both were talking about how happy but NERVOUS we are because it's actually happening, like for real, no "waiting for approval".  I describe it as a delicious nervousness, we know our lives will change and soon now. He is traveling far from all he has known, family, country, etc. to start a new life here with his daughter and I. We expect a  period of adjusting into our new schedules and life and honestly welcome every last bit of it with open arms.  No government, no red tape, no borders will keep us apart.   This site has been such a blessing and will continue to be one. The comfort of knowing we are/were not alone in the struggle is indescribable.  The highs and lows are tremendous but it is worth every single last minute of this to know, soon, we conquered it and will be together.     The nervous thing is interesting - I know what you mean!  I have spent so long knowing that it is going to take a long time and everything is so far out in the future that now we are on the edge of finally getting an interview, its like WHOA - OK....this whole new life is really going to be happening.    I am excited for sure!	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2014-03-31 14:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Words of Encouragement...	I am so happy today my I130 was approved today and I can smile and laugh without worry creeping in my thoughts. Today I am celebrating!!! I hope soon to be with my husband finally since a year and almost four months now being apart.... I hope we have this process completed before the two year mark. I hope everyone finds their reasons to celebrate throughout this process. Congrats on the approval!!!      Yep. It's really been hard over this year to explain to our family and friends why the heck it's taking so long (because even we can't fathom this).  They've asked some funny questions:  "Why won't his country let him out?" (like he's in prison or something! LOL)  and "Why won't the U.S. let you in?" and "Why don't you just pay them extra for express service?"  (I laughed out loud at that one!)    I've explained so many times I'm sick of talking about it when I get together with friends. And midway through, over and over having someone ask all perky-like: "Well...any news?" made me want to just tear my hair.   YES!  A million times over. Lol. My favorite is "I thought that once you got married they could just move here" followed with "But he is Canadian why wouldn't they let him in?!". Because my work is so conservative (and has some VERY conservative political views) I try to spin it is a little bit like, well, isn't it a good thing that the government is screening the people coming into the country and not just letting everyone in?  Then they are like "ooooooh you are right, I never thought about it like that". haha	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2014-03-28 16:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Words of Encouragement...	Being away from the person you want to be with most is so difficult. If you need some words of encouragement.. feel free to post in here.   The best is yet to come for all of you This is such a wonderful idea for a thread! This process is absolutely challenging and can be hard to appreciate the things we are learning while it's going on. It's really easy to get bogged down by the frustration. I know for me and my husband it has really made our relationship stronger and it's really amazing to know you can make a great team and get through some tough stuff together. There are have been good days and bad days and totally hopeless days.... But I am finally getting close to the end. We just passed our 1 year since we started this process. We have been apart for almost two years. We have made it work and have gotten to have some really fun trips to see each other. Things we maybe wouldn't have done if we weren't in the middle of this. The paperwork I can handle, it's the unknown and not being able to make plans. Also all the details like health insurance, importing the car, filing taxes, him getting a job when he is here, how will he adjust. And the questions from people - can't he just move here? When is he gonna get here? Haha. One thing I try to remember when I get really discouraged is that there are people who have had a longer wait and more hardships than I have. It helps put it in perspective for me and help me not focus so much on how frustrated I am. I am very lucky to have such an amazing man in my life and by the time he gets here, I know I can appreciate it that much more	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2014-03-27 20:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	recieved NOA2 approval...what now?	Vancouver = residing in Manitoba - BC Montreal = residing in Ontario & eastward   Cool - thanks!  Makes sense.... For CR-1 they are all in Montreal. My husband is in BC so it would be sooo nice if they did CR1 in Vancouver	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2014-03-26 13:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	recieved NOA2 approval...what now?	I am doing the CR-1 visa, so I know there are a few things that are different than the K-1.  So I don't want to give ya bad info   However I do know that the interviews for the K-1 are done in Vancouver or Montreal depending on who knows what?? haha. Case load, or something Once you get your NOA2 the case will be shipped to the NVC.  You can call NVC to find out when the case is received. Here are a few more links - they may be more relevant to your process.  Wish I knew more!!   Links that show what requirements are needed for the K-1   http://travel.state....fiance-k-1.html   http://www.visajourn...ry-2014-filers/   http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide   Hope this helps.  Good luck!	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2014-03-26 12:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	recieved NOA2 approval...what now?	Here is a wiki for the NVC process http://www.visajourn...php/NVC_Process For Montreal beneficiaries http://www.visajourn...ew_Online_Forms March NVC thread - this rolls over every month is is a great place to ask questions http://www.visajourn...ers-march-2014/ As long as you are within your 6 month visiting period it is fine for you to stay in the US there is no problem. You just do not want to overstay as that will be really bad for the case. As far as I know you would still need to do the medical in Canada and your interview will be up there as well. You can get your medical done in Montreal a few days before your interview and get the results in time to take them to the interview. Also, when you go to the interview they will keep your passport, add the visa and send you the packet in the mail. Or I think sometimes they can have it ready for you to pick up the next day as long as you get approved. So keep that in mind when making travel plans. Anyhow, congrats on the NOA2 and come join us on the NVC thread Edited by gwenstar, 25 March 2014 - 09:37 PM.	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2014-03-25 21:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Employer Letter- Necessary?	Paystubs/Employment letter are what show that you currently have sufficient income The tax transcript is verifying that you had enough income in the past to reasonably assume that you will continue to have sufficient income.   In my opinion - since the employment letter is not required - If you are not able to get your boss to sign the employment letter, you can send the transcript as well as your pay stubs for this year and that should be enough.	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2014-05-13 10:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	ds260 - do I need another certified copy of death cert from previous marriage?	Thank you!!!  That is what I figured. Then you know how the mind begins to question everything... especially after spending too many hours reading through VJ posts	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-07-02 16:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	ds260 - do I need another certified copy of death cert from previous marriage?	I am the USC Petitioner and we are waiting for the NOA2.  Since my current husband (beneficiary) is Canadian, we will be filing the ds260 electronically.  I scanned the certified copy of the death certificate of my late husband from my previous marriage so it can be submitted electronically. I sent the certified hard copy in with the I-130 to USCIS.     My question is, will my current husband (beneficiary) need to bring a certified copy with him, in addition to the one sent to USCIS, when he goes in for his interview? From what I understand the certified hard copy should be forwarded along with the rest of the I-130 packet.   Given the time and cost to order another death certificate, I want to get it ordered now if it is absolutely necessary.   Thanks for any advice!   Gwen	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-07-02 13:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	whats is the difference between I 864 and I 864 EZ	One the first page it lists the requirements to use the EZ -    http://www.uscis.gov...-864ezinstr.pdf	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-07-15 10:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Already fired one lawyer, onto second and still not sure if we are being given good advise.	I am glad you found this site!  The whole process takes times and patience - but it certainly helps to be able to hear other people's experiences. The different guidelines that have been posted are extremely helpful!!! Just keep going through them and checking for the things that you need for your specific situation.  There is SO much info on here to help with that!  If you still can't seem to find the answer or the info seems conflicting, there are always people willing to share their opinions/advice/experience.  I know it is very reassuring to me. I also find it really encouraging to read about people whose Visa's have been approved. 1. It reminds me there IS a light at the end of the tunnel of paperwork!!! 2. I can see their timelines and it helps me feel less anxious about how long my process is taking.   Anyhow, welcome to VJ and I wish you the best for this whole process	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-07-29 15:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Approved I-130 Not Sent to NVC - Assistance Requested	I hope you are able to get everything resolved soon!  Thanks for posting the issues that you are going through....also thanks to all the people responding.  It is good to know what issues might come up as well as how they have been handled best.  Also, I just really appreciate your positive outlook as you are going through this frustration.   I look forward to seeing how you get everything worked out!  Good luck!	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-08-02 11:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-864 Questions	Ohh, thank you so much! Regarding #3 -- my joint sponsor is actually retired (although I'm sure he still meets the 125% poverty requirement). Is there anything else he can submit, then, besides tax returns?     If he is receiving payments from SSI/pension/401K or other investment accounts there is usually a statement that is sent stating the amount of money disbursed as regular payments.  SSI - has a benefit award letter sent annually or for a pension you can get current information from an administrator for the pension plan.  Also, if the joint sponsor has assets that are accessible and meet the requirements for sponsorship - you could have those verified through the bank. For instance, a print out from the bank that is notarized or even just a form that states the accounts/balances and if applicable the cost to convert to cash.  Then have the bank employee sign the statement/have it notarized this could be submitted along with bank statements.	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-08-08 08:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	should we withdraw i130?	Wow - thats a tough one. Good thing you are getting on top of it now good luck to you! And congrats on doing so well on your exams!!	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-10-04 09:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Filed for IR-1/CR-1, did not file K-1 Visa	Since you are already married - you filed the correct paperwork.  You do not need to file a K-1 in addition to the CR-1.   K-1 visa is for a fiance visa - a person who has intent to marry a USC as well as intent to immigrate.    The CR-1 is for a person who is already married has intent to immigrate to the US.    A Canadian can come visit the US for up to 6 months without any other visa no problem.  However, as mentioned above - they can be denied at the border if the agent feels like there is an intent to immigrate before having the CR-1 process complete.  So basically, if you are planning on travelling back and forth between Canada and US, make sure to have proof of ties to Canada and that there clearly is no intent to immigrate.	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-10-03 11:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	what to do about filing 2013 taxes since we wont be approved by year end	Then, when her SSN arrived later that year in summer, I just amended the return to married/jointly, added her income amount to mine on the "wages, salaries, tips" line and got another refund.   Thanks!  Yeah second refund sounds nice	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-10-28 08:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	what to do about filing 2013 taxes since we wont be approved by year end	2.  Or, you can apply now to the IRS for a Tax ID number for the non-resident alien spouse.  In that case, you would use the Tax ID number to file a joint return as "Married filing jointly."  To do so, you would need to include a letter with the return that you voluntarily elect to treat the non-citizen spouse as a non-resident alien for tax purposes.  You would then include the non-resident alient spouse's income on the "wages, salaries, tips" line on the return.  The advantage of this approach is you are able to count the non-resident spouse as an exemption and lower the taxes paid/increase your refund (assuming the foreign spouse does not make a lot of money).     Okay - yeah, that is what I was thinking. Our combined incomes will not bump me into a higher tax bracket so that is why I am thinking there is a financial benefit for me to be able to file jointly.   Also, you don't have to file till April 15th (or, October 15th if you're willing to file an extension). Maybe your spouse will have a social security number by that time.  Another option is to wait to file (until April 15th, or even October 15th if you file an extension). Good luck!   I totally forget about that!  I always file as soon as I get my paperwork...but yeah, I should have a better idea of his immigration timeline by the time it is due and/or be able to file an extension.   From a monetary standpoint you definitely want to file jointly.   However, this means either getting an ITIN or waiting until the foreigner has gotten their social security number (and if after April 15, being sure to file an extension).   Getting an ITIN from abroad is a difficult process, and includes having to send originals/certified copies of documents (including passport or other IDs) to the IRS with your tax return in the US. Some countries allow it to be done at US embassies abriad. Some countries allow it to be done at tax firms. The IRS site has the details - http://www.irs.gov/I...TIN-from-Abroad   Me personally, if things aren't wrapped up by April 15, will likely be filing an extension and taking care of it all when she has her social security number and is in the US. Otherwise, I'll be asking my wife to get a certified copy of her passport.   Perfect - thanks for the link and the input!  Thankfully for me getting documents/signatures/certified copies is not too difficult since my spouse is in Canada and we see each other often enough to easily be able to get all the paperwork stuff we need.   Thanks to everyone for all your responses - I feel like I have better idea of what direction to go.  Now time for some more research.... its how I am trying to channel my energy during this seemingly forever wait   My only other curiosity is where I can find info regarding the world wide tax rate/credits given for taxes paid by non-resident (beneficiary) spouse in their country. I specifically want to know the rate for Canada (i know it would be different for each country).	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-10-24 14:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	what to do about filing 2013 taxes since we wont be approved by year end	So when we started this process we were obviously thinking it would not take nearly as long.  haha!   Anyhow, does anyone have any experience with filing taxes with a spouse that is not in the US and has not worked in the US during the year?  Would it just be the same as filing as me (USC) filing single?    I know that if we filed jointly our income would be calculated together and then we would be taxed based on the world wide rate, and then there would be whatever amount of credit given based on the taxes my spouse has paid in his country.  Just don't know if we are eligible for that since he does not have a GC and has not lived or worked in the US.   I think it would financially beneficial to be able to file joint but I don't see if that would be possible.  Also I would rather be filing single rather than married but withholding at the higher rate.  From my limited understanding I think I would end up paying the most taxes under that status.   Anyhow - if anyone has any experience with this or know a good resource I could use to research this for myself, that would be awesome!!	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-10-23 15:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Wife file 2013 tax as married or single?	There are some good answers here -     http://www.visajourn...ed-by-year-end/	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-11-08 10:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DS-260 questions	Hi guys -- I really did check the guides and the threads before asking this, so sorry if it's still a stupid one that should be self-evident   We're working on the DS-260 and have five questions: The requirement for a photocopy of "valid passport biographic data page" -- Is this just the first page of the passport with the picture and the date of birth and such? We just photocopy that and send that in? Photocopy requirement. USCIS says that photocopies are also needed in addition to the originals we send in.... but how many? Just one for each document requirement?  Police certificate -- I see this listed in the required documents section, but is this just for someone who's got a police record or does everyone have to get one to show they're "clean"? How does one even go about doing that? For us, it would be a Canadian police record. I searched and found information about how to get fingerprinting done but that doesn't seem the same. I'm at a loss. Does everyone have to get one? What is "it" -- the certificate, I mean? Where he will work once he's in the U.S. -- heck if we know! I mean, we'll figure it out, of course, with all due speed, but what do people usually put here? Is it sufficient to simply state that he'll pursue a job in the field of his interest and state that field? Previous visits to the U.S. -- My husband used to come visit ALL the time! He didn't come on a visa. He just brought proof of ties to the border and went over. I'm not even sure we can cobble together every single time he's been over, though we could certainly try. We've been together nearly a decade, so we're talking a LOT of times.... Should we list them all to the best of our ability and memory??   Thanks for any smarts on these questions!     1. Yes, that is the biographic data page 2. Photo copies are for your own records as well as you should have a copy to give them at the interview. So 2 sets of copies. Since you are filing the DS-260 electronically, you should have a hard copy of everything you submitted electronically to give to them at the interview as well as the original documents such as the marriage license, birth certificate etc.for them to review. 3. Everyone needs to get a police check - if there is no criminal background he can just go down to a local station and request a CPIC,  For my husband it only took a couple of days and was free. When you request it, just let them know it is for immigration purposes and they will make sure to fill it out correctly. If he has a criminal background then he would need to get a fingerprint check which takes more time.  http://www.visajourn...ndex.php/Canada 4. idk -  5. The advice we got from an immigration lawyer is to just list things to the best of your ability - obviously you want to show your intent to be thorough and forthcoming with whatever information has been requested.  We have a similar concern in regards to places my husband has lived...there has been a lot since he was 16!     Good luck and congrats on getting to this next step!	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-11-08 11:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Working in the US after approval of IR-1	I would contact HR for your company and find out what suggestions they have.  If they have offices in Canada and the States they are probably familiar of what process is best for transitioning.	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-12-03 11:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	dazed and confused	Ok, was able to track down the answer to my second question.    I am getting better at answering my own questions.  This thread is turning into a one man show    Haha - that made me laugh     I don't really have any answers to add - but I just wanted to wish you the best!  There are tons of answers on this site (as you know) and from what you wrote about your situation it seems like you will be fine.  Once you find the right ways to approach a couple of things, I am sure you wont have any problems.	gwenstar	Female	Canada	2013-12-20 13:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DS 230 Forms	Thanks all. NikiR, Yea-- I will have all those information ready- Saylin- I think i prefer certified copy of the document i don't know how to get that in Nigeria but i am kinda reluctant to mail original documents to them	shefe	Male	Nigeria	2013-03-10 21:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DS 230 Forms	Thanks Saylin So for the IV Package the required documents says original birth and marriage certificate.. wow, they need the original one Now can send the AOS and IV Package at the same time ?	shefe	Male	Nigeria	2013-03-10 20:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DS 230 Forms	We have not paid for AOS fee. We just got approved on March 8th 2013 and i will be calling the NVC on Thursday to get the case number. I want to pay the AOS and for the choice of agent will be me and then i can mail things to her via DHL and she can mail it back to me.	shefe	Male	Nigeria	2013-03-10 19:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DS 230 Forms	LoveNigar, Do i just mail the DS230 Forms without supporting any documents then they will mail me a checklist of what i need to send to them? I am trying to be proactive since i heard they are asking for original documents not photocopies so want to ask my wofe to mail off the list of documents to me instead of doing one by one.	shefe	Male	Nigeria	2013-03-10 18:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DS 230 Forms	Thanks where can find the instructions or the links of the list of things to attached with DS230 Forms when mailing it back to them?	shefe	Male	Nigeria	2013-03-10 16:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DS 230 Forms	I knew it wow One more question so with DS230 form, i need to submit copy of police clearance record right?	shefe	Male	Nigeria	2013-03-10 16:17:00