I couldn't find a very general forum in which to post this question so forgive me if I am breaching discussion protocol. This is a probably an incredibly stupid question but I swear, it's legitimate. As a Canadian who is well into the immigration process (removal of conditions), I still don't really understand how the different US 'agencies' interact when it comes to immigration. Is there a place somewhere on this website that explains it? I was someone who had one of the worst stories imaginable pertaining to my K1 filing (see my profile story for more details). I actually ended up with a CR1 visa. I just did what I was told (cut check here, send form there, go for interview here, have fingerprints there). I put the nightmare out of my head for several months and now I'll be filing my I-751 in a few days. Maybe I can start with these two question: (1) is USCIS a division of Homeland Security? (2) To whom do the Consulates/Embassies answer?

Knowledge is power, right?

Thanks guys.

Jo-Anne

Yep, knowledge is power although I sometimes get the impression that for the US power is power and knowledge isn't worth nearly as much

USCIS is a division of the Department of Homeland Security: http://www.uscis.gov

The Consulates and Embassies fall under jurisdiction of the Department of State: http://www.state.gov/

They don't seem to speak to each other very easily nor hold each other in very much esteem. It often does seem like the proverbial left arm doesn't know what the right arm is doing - nor cares.

Good luck with the I-751. In case you haven't seen it yet, you won't be sending it to TSC anymore - you send it directly to VSC - Vermont - and they are currently taking about 12 to 15 months to process.

Thanks so much for responding. This is great. I can't wait until the entire process is over. Once I have my citizenship, I plan on doing some serious celebrating. Sometimes it seems that day will never come.

I noticed you weigh in on a number of issues and appear to be well versed on all things having to do with immigration. Here's another question if you care to answer.....I got married in my home country of Canada before obtaining my CR1 visa. A few months after I arrived in the US, my husband and I got married again in front of his family. It wasn't merely a renewal of vows. We actually went all out and had a legal ceremony and I have the marriage certificate to prove it. Now I have one issued by the province of Ontario and one issued by the state of North Carolina. Do you think this is something that would be confusing to the Service Center (i.e., should I keep it to myself) or would it be considered good evidence in a I-751 petition package?

The I-751 is all about proving that you are a legimate married couple. They aren't looking for marriage licenses, but financial involvement. They want to see that you have joint debts, assets, tax returns, rent agreements or property holdings and retirement or life insurances listing each other as beneficiary. The affadavits from friends is just additional support that to outsiders you are a married couple.

I agree with Happy Guy - getting married twice is a nice way to re-confirm your commitment to each other, but USCIS wants to show that you are behaving as a married couple who are living together and sharing their lives together, financially, socially and physically.

The co-mingling of financial assets and liabilities is considered strong evidence since it isn't something those who don't have strong commitments to a marriage want to do because it creates vulnerabilities and liabilities with and for each other. Social interaction and presenting yourself as a married couple to co-workers, friends, family, acquaintances, neighbours, businesses, etc. adds additional evidence. Planning for a future together - taking out savings plans, pension plans, retirement plans, having and raising children together, writing wills, buying a house, etc., - these also indicate a commitment to a joined life for a long period of time. Evidence of just 'daily living' - traveling together, participating in mutual social activities, looking after pets together, etc. help add additional weight to the financial evidence, but do not make as strong an impression as linking yourselves together financially.

I have learned a lot over my own 5 year (and ongoing) visa journey both from my own experiences, from research and especially from the many excellent resources and individuals here on VJ. If I am able to offer help to others, I must share the credit with a lot of other people from whom I have learned over the years.

I read your story - what a strange twist of events. It wasn't clear where in your time line you actually ended up getting married but I can appreciate that it was a real surprise to plan for a K-1 and end up getting a CR-1 without having submitted the application! (I think I interpreted that correctly).