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  1. Disclaimer: Names and scenarios are representative for privacy. Hello visajourney.com community, I'm preparing to file an I-130 petition for my mother and am encountering challenges due to multiple name changes and a religious divorce. Here's a detailed breakdown to mirror my situation: Birth Certificate Name: Let's use "Nora Hatim Ali" as an example, where "Hatim" represents my grandfather's name, offering context similar to my mother's situation. Marriage Certificate Name: On the marriage certificate, her name appears as "Nora Mulla Hatim Alli", incorporating "Mulla" as a title, much like "Sir", which my grandfather adopted. This reflects the addition of a title. Note the additional letter 'L' added in 'Alli' Passport Name When Married: For international travel, she adopted her husband's surname, becoming "Nora Ednan Khan" (assuming "Khan" represents my father's surname), which shows her moving away from her maiden name. Adnan assumed as my father's first name. Note spelling difference of Adnan vs Ednan. Divorce Documentation: Their divorce was conducted through a religious ceremony. I'm doubtful if muslim divorce certificate is recgnized by indian local courts. The documentation lists my father with a variant surname, "Adnan Khan" becoming "Adnan Khaann", and my mother as "Nora Hatim Bakshi". "Bakshi" represents a new surname she adopted post-divorce, because my grandfather changed his surname from 'Alli' to 'Bakshi' during the time my mom and dad were married (27 years). My Birth Certificate: Simplifies her name to just 'Nora' and my father's name as 'Adnan Irfan Khan'. My Name stated as 'Younus' Post-Divorce Name Change: After the divorce, she chose "Nora Hatim Bakshi", as her official name which is there on her passport too. There's a government document called the gazette, that has proof of name change from "Nora Adnan Khan" to "Nora Hatim Bakshi". Note spelling of Adnan vs Ednan. My official name everywhere: "Younus Adnan Khan" Given USCIS guidelines, I understand that my birth certificate and proof of my citizenship might be initially sufficient to prove my relationship to my mother. I have gone ahead and done a DNA test as well and they have issued me a document that I can scan and upload (with a 'void' watermark popping up since they usually physically mail the result to USCIS on an RFE for DNA). What documents are enough to make the i130 approval requirements? For now I'm uploading my birth certificate, my mother's current passport ("Nora Hatim Bakshi"), my citizenship certificate and US passport. However, the name discrepancies and the nature of her divorce have raised concerns about potential complications in the I-130 application process. Questions: How can I best document and explain the various name changes in the I-130 form to reflect the transition from "Nora Hatim Ali" to "Nora Mulla Hatim Alli" to "Nora Ednan Khan" and finally to "Nora Hatim Bakshi"? Considering the divorce was conducted through a religious ceremony without a formal court decree, what additional documentation might USCIS require? Are there specific strategies or documentation I should prepare to clarify these issues for USCIS? I'm grateful for any advice or insights, particularly from those who have navigated similar complexities. Thank you!
  2. Hello, We have a peculiar case. My wife's name is A B C D(surname) on her passport Let's say my name is X Y(surname) On the marriage certificate we got my wife's changed to C A B Y(my surname). C is her actual name, for some reason her parents kept her middle name first in the passport and birth certificate when she was little. Now we are on the NVC stage. Seems like changing passport name might take a month. Can we submit the NVC ds260 as per passport name and later give the officer the updated name change passport at interview? ( NVC to interview is taking around 2-3months processing time and delaying ds260 submission would delay that) On the i130 I mentioned C A B Y as her main name, and A B C D as her alias.
  3. Hi I need some information and help I am us citizen and my father he is here in us with me have have five year visa can I apply for him green card also do I need to submit for him I130 form or just I-485 only. Can I apply I130 for my Nephew because in that form there is no option but they have something about child my nephew is like un 12 year old. I really appreciate for all advice and help. Thank you so much
  4. Hello everyone, Asking for someone who is a permanent resident. They filed I-130 for their unmarried son under 21 year old back in August 2023. Their I-130 was approved today. Priority date on the NOA shows the date they filed in August. Their son was 18 back then, now 19. What happens next? What category does the son fall into? Is it F2A? They are from Lebanon. What is a realistic time frame and is there a way to make things go faster since both parents are here and the child is there alone. Is there a risk of their son aging out of 21 or does CSPA applies here? Thank you
  5. Me and my husband applied for the CR1 online but I was wondering if there's a difference between online vs mail application in -for example- processing time? We haven't applied that long ago and I know that the myprogress bar isn't that accurate but it went from 10 months to 3 weeks on Monday and I was wondering if it means anything? I know it's very early for it but I was just curious.
  6. Dear all I really appreciate your inputs in the issue I have. I applied for my wife form I130 back in January 2020, last March the form has been approved but unfortunately USCIS hold the form for the well known mistake on where to send the application consular office or keep it in USA for adjustment of status. to rectify the problem I submitted form I824 in March to ask USCIS to forward my case to the NVC. Processing time for this form is at least a year. Last month two major changes in our life, we had a baby and I became a US citizen. My question now Do I need to submit a new I130 for the baby or it will be dependent for my wife and just add her when filling DS260 with NVC??. Thanks in advance.
  7. BE WARNED: You must qualify to file for an I-130 in the US. Not everyone does, and in some cases doing so can be considered fraud and result in being deported and banned from re-entry into the US for a period of time. If you attempt to file and you do not qualify your legal status in the US can be placed in jeopardy. J1 Visa holders will almost always require a waiver and should consult with an immigration lawyer or the USCIS for more information. If you have any doubt, consult an immigration attorney. If your fiance/fiancee came to the US on a tourist visa with the intent of immigration and marriage, and you are not yet married, then he/she should return to his/her home abroad, and the K-1 visa should be filed (using an I-129f) instead of the I-130 to avoid a denial, deportation, or even being banned from re-entry to the US. If you are already married, and your spouse came to the US on a tourist visa with the intent of immigration and marriage, then he/she should return to his/her home abroad, and the I-130 (or along with an I-129f for a K-3 Visa) should be filed with the relative outside of the U.S. to avoid denial, deportation, or even being banned from re-entry to the US. The above conditions are serious and can result in the separation of families for many years if not taken seriously. Download the Following Forms: 1. I-130 2. I-130A 3. I-864 4. I-485 5. I-765 (optional) 6. I-131 (optional) 7. G-1145 (optional) The above forms can be filled out on your computer and printed. Make sure you sign and date them as required. Anything you cannot fit by typing, you can hand-write (very neatly) in black ink in the blank instead. You should always verify the current forms at www.uscis.gov. Assembling the I-130 Package: Checklist Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.): 1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a personal check so you can track the payment. Money Orders are also accepted. Read the Guide to Paying USCIS Immigration Fees. 2. Cover Letter. Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-130), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet. 3. Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative 4. Copy of the Full Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport. This is used to establish citizenship. 5. A copy of petitioner's proof of naturalization. (If applicable) 6. A copy of petitioner's proof of permanent residency. (If applicable) 7. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate and/or passport along with English translation. (If in any language other than English) 8. A certified copy of your certified marriage certificate (again, translated if not in Engligh) 9. A certified official copy of the petitioner's and/or intending immigrant's divorce documents. (If one or both of you have been divorced before) 10. A copy of a prior spouse's death certificate. (If filing for a spouse, and one or both have you were married before, and the prior spouse died) 11. Two passport-type photos (see specification) of the US Citizen. Write the full name on the back of each photo. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Insert Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding I-130. 12. Two passport-type photos (see specification) of the foreign spouse. Write the full name of the beneficiary on the back of each photo. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of (insert name) ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding I-130. 13. Evidence of a bonafide marriage (see note below for what to include) 14. Form I-130A: Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary Evidence of a Bonifide Marriage The USCIS now requires that when filing an I-130 for a spouse that you include evidence of a bonifide marriage. They list examples of acceptable evidence as: 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 nameand 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. Assembling the I-485 Package: Checklist Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.): 1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a personal check so you can track the payment. Money Orders are also accepted. Read the Guide to Paying USCIS Immigration Fees. Be sure to include the payment for both the I-485 and the biometrics fee*. >> The fee for I-485 applications filed on or after July 30th 2007 inlcudes the cost of the I-131 and I-765 (no need to pay for them if filed with or while your I-485 application is pending adjudication -- as long as you paid the "new" rate for the I-485 effective July 30th 2007). 2. Cover Letter. Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-485), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet. 3. Form I-485: Petition for Alien Relative 4. Form I-944 (Declaration of Self-Sufficiency with applicable supporting documents) (no longer required as of March 9, 2021) 5. Copy of the non US Citizen Spouses Passport (biographical page as well as entry stamps). 6. Electronic I-94 Copy or (for older entries) a copy of the non US Citizen Spouses valid paper I-94 (front and back of form) 7. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate along with English translation. (If in any language other than English) 8. A certified copy of your marriage certificate. (If filing for your spouse) 9. A copy of the petitioner's and/or intending immigrant's divorce documents. (If filing for a spouse, and one or both of you have been divorced before) 10. A copy of a prior spouse's death certificate. (If filing for a spouse, and one or both have you were married before, and the prior spouse died) 11. Two passport-type photos (see specification) of the Non US Citizen Spouse. Write the full name on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Insert Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding I-485. 12. I-693, Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status 13. I-864, Affidavit of Support (see poverty limits here) >> Include any additional required supporting documentation 14. I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if you want to work while your application is processed (optional) >> Include any additional required supporting documentation or photos as well as payment per USCIS instructions. 15. I-131, Application for Travel Document, if you need to travel outside the United States while your application is processed (optional) >> Include any additional required supporting documentation or photos as well as payment per USCIS instructions. 16. I-485 Supplement A, and penalty fee if applicable. See 8 CFR 245.10 17. I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Excludability**, if applicable * Fingerprint fee not needed for applicants under 14 ** an I-601 is NO FEE, if, and ONLY if filed WITH an I-485. Later filing DOES require a fee. Whether to file an I-601 is an important decision -- like the J-1, consulation with an attorney is recommended. Add an overall cover page: It is useful to add an overall cover sheet with the description of the package and pertinent information such as the applicants name and address. Make sure the cover sheet indicates the package is an Immediate Relative (Spouse) Family Based Adjustment of Status Application with a concurrent I-130 filing. List the major contents of the package (i.e. I-485 and evidence, I-130 and evidence, I-765, I-131,etc). I-944 (Declaration of Self-Sufficiency) Information: This form is required to be submitted with your I-485 for all applicants, and is in addition to the required I-864 (Affidavit of Support). The supporting documents list is lengthy and includes a tax transcript (not actual tax return) of the U.S. citizen, last foreign tax return filed by the fiancé, asset statements, certificates for any English courses taken, higher education verification, if applicable (including diplomas and equivalency evaluations), and several other onerous requirements. The most troublesome item is the requirement for a U.S. credit bureau credit report, or a letter from a credit bureau stating that no credit report is available. Since most recent immigrants will not have a credit record in the U.S., no credit report will be available, and the 3 credit bureaus have not been issuing letters stating no report is available. Our best advice at this point is to write a letter explaining why no credit report is available. You can find an example of this letter and an example filled out I-944 here. Attach "E-Notification" Form (Optional) Clip a completed G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, to the first page of your application (on top of the cover page). By completing this form and attaching it, USCIS will send you an email and/or text message to alert you when your application was received. Where to File Everything: You should mail the completed form(s) to the USCIS address here (Note the PO Box address for your filing type: Form I-130 with Form I-485). Mail the package with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation. Send via USPS. IMPORTANT! Make TWO copies of the entire package before you send it in. This includes the money orders too. You want to have a perfect replica of the package you are sending in. All Forms that you submit must be originals with original signatures. Supporting Evidence that you submit may be photocopies. Retain ALL original supporting Evidence since the USCIS has the right to check them by issuing an RFE (Request For Evidence). If you receive an RFE, follow the direction exactly, and make two copies of what you sent back. During any future interviews the USCIS may also want to examine the original supporting evidence. After Filing: What to do? Now starts the waiting game. If you filed for an EAD, your spouse will get their Employment Authorization Document approved in 30 to 90 days and will be scheduled to have their picture taken and to have their EAD card issued. After your spouse has received their EAD, the real wait begins. I-485's can take several months to couple years for approval, and often leaves the petitioner feeling completely hopeless of ever receiving approval. DO NOT GIVE UP! Though it seems like forever, the CIS will eventually get to your petitions! Your spouse may also be required to have a medical sometime during the AOS process. The medical must be done by a CIS accredited doctor. Your CIS office should give you a list of CIS accredited doctors in your area, if not check with your local office to get one. The medical exam can cost anywhere from $100-200 dollars, many physicians will not take a check, but only accept cash. Be prepared of the cost before your spouse gets this done. It would be wise to collect their vaccination information before going to the appointment as the doctor will need to have record of them. At the appointment your spouse will be tested for TB, AIDS and Syphilis. If they do the skin test for TB, they will be required to return to the CIS doctors office to have the site checked before they finish the exam paperwork. Note: Some CIS Offices allow you to schedule your appointment when you want, as long as it is done before the AOS appointment, check with your CIS office to see how they handle CIS medical exams before filing your AOS paperwork. Your spouse will be required to have biometrics taken at some point including fingerprints and photo's. This can typically precede the interview date by up to 15 months, however is ussually much closer. Eventually you will receive a letter from the CIS informing you of your interview date. You and your spouse will need to bring supporting evidence of the relationship... i.e. photos, joint checking account, joint lease, joint mortgage, and birth certificates of children if any etc. Also, it is very important to bring the current passport of the applicant, as the CIS will stamp his/her passport with the I-551 stamp if they are approved. This stamp is proof of permanent residency that can be used until they receive their greencard. This normally can take up to six months. The interview is fairly painless and may be video recorded and lasts between 15-30 minutes. NOTE: If you are married less than 2 years, your spouse will have to renew his/her greencard 2 years from issuance by filing the I-751 to remove conditional status.
  8. Hello everyone, I have couple of questions about the situation below and I am hoping to find some answers: Parents who are in the US now as PR since July 2023, wanting to bring their son who just turned 19. The mother has filed I130 petition for him in August 2023. Can the father file another I-130 for the same son (in case something happened to his mom) while the 1st I-130 is still pending? Any negative/positive consequences? Should the son get the visa before he turns 21 to be in the same category, or he is considered in the "under 21" category at the date of when the I-130 is filed/approved? The son now is in a country where a war is very possible (Lebanon) and the US department of state issued a "Do Not Travel" notice. He already suffers from anxiety disorder and what is going on making things worse. Are these enough reasons to request an expedite since the son is there by himself? Is there a way to get a reasonable estimate of how long will this process take? Thank you and good luck for everyone
  9. After a month waiting of stand-alone I130 consular filing, with a PD of 9/15, we got approved last night. We had a severe case to expedite and it was approved. I am checking the case status and the case is still open even though we have the receipt of notice of approval. I read online that after that, the case status will be “forwarded to NVC”, and then get a welcome letter sometimes. My plan is to send an expedite request to the provided email providing the same proofs and mentioning to them that USCIS approved our expedite request. I am just not sure if there is a time or stage I should wait or if I can just go ahead?
  10. Background: The petitioner is filing I130 and I485 for a divorced parent (mother) who is on a valid visa and is currently in the US. The petitioner is not filling an I130 for any other family members. The parent is living with the petitioner and will complete the process while in the US. The below questions will reference the I130 PDF with an edition date of 07/20/21 and expires on 07/31/2024. Form Filling Question Does USCIS prefer ALL CAPS when filling out forms? If ALL CAPS are used, will that affect how legal names appear on future official documents? Unanswered Questions: These are questions I have not found the answer to. Part 2, Questions 40a to 41, page 4/12 - "If you are a lawful permanent resident..." The petitioner was an LPR but is now a US Citizen. Q: Should the petitioner answer "N/A"? Part 4, Question 25a to 44, pages 6-7/12 - "Information About Beneficiary's Family" The petitioner is the daughter of the beneficiary. Q: Does the petitioner list her "maiden name" or her "current" Family Name (Last Name)? Part 4, Question 46d, page 7/12 - "Date authorized stay..." The Visa is scheduled to expire before the date on the I-94 online form. Q: Is it better to list when the Visa is scheduled to expire, or the date of expiration of the I-94 online form? Part 4, Question 58a to 58f, page 8/12 - Foreign Address in Foreign Alphebet The foreign alphabet is Cyrillic. Since the beneficiary is living with the petitioner during the AOS, does the petitioner list this as N/A? Unconfirmed Questions: I found answers to the below questions, but need one more matching source for validation. Or found conflicting information and need confirmation. Part 2, Question 28 to 29, Page 3/12 - "Information About Your Parents - City/Town/Village and Country of Residence" Parent 1 is the Beneficiary. Q: Since the beneficiary is living with the petitioner in the USA while on a valid visa and is establishing residency in the USA, does the petitioner put the beneficiary's foreign City and Country, or the current US city and USA as the country? Source 1 and Source 2 says to list the US City and Country. Source 3 says to list the foreign City and Country Part 4, Question 19, Page 6/12 - "Date of current marriage (if currently married)" Q: Does the petitioner leave this "N/A" since the beneficiary is divorced? Source 1 covered widow(erd) but not divorce. Need verification. Part 4, Question 20a to 20d, page 6/12 - "Place of Beneficiary's Current Marriage" Q: Does the petitioner leave this "N/A" since the beneficiary is divorced? Source 1 covered widow(erd) but not divorce. Need verification. Questions I had answered: Originally I was unsure how to answer. I found multiple sources to validate these questions. Please correct me if the answer is wrong. Part 1, Question 2, Page 1/12 - "If you are filing this petition for your... parent..." Child in this case refers to the petitioner being the beneficiary's "Child". "Child was born to parents who were married..." is the best fitting answer. "Child" does not refer to any children the petitioner has. Source 1 and Source 2. Part 2, Question 1, Page 1/12 - "A Number" Since the petitioner was an LPR in the past, enter the Alien Number, even though the petitioner is a US citizen now. Source 1, Source 2, and Source 3 Part 4, Questions 11a-13f, page 5/12 - "Beneficiary's Physical Address" Since the Beneficiary is living in the US during the I130 and AOS process put the US Address. Source 1, Source 2, and Source 3 Part 4, Questions 25a-44, pages 6-7/12 - "Information About Beneficiary's Family" No need to list ex-spouse in this area since they are no longer family. Source 1 and Source 2 As a side note, ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing Bot were not helpful at all... don't use them for reliable form-specific research. i-130.pdf
  11. Hi everyone, I just received a message from NVC stating that my husband's AU Police Check is incorrect, and needs to be from a valid authority. To my knowledge the AFP National Police Check is the only one. Anyone having the same issue and was able to resolve it? Thank you! Australian Police Check.pdf
  12. So I would like to know how I can tell which processing center the case went to . I found online that the three letters before your receipt number usually indicate the office or service center where your case is being processed. I got IOE which stands for USCIS Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) . How can I check their processing time since I couldn't find it online ? I found 5 different processing centers but none of them mentions the one I got . I would really appreciate your help with this .
  13. Hi All, I was just reviewing my USCIS portal and realized that I submitted two versions of the I-130A form. All the information is the same in both, except the last page (additional information) of one has first and last name printed out, per instructions and the other copy does not have the name typed out there. Is this an issue? Will my case still be okay?
  14. Hello All please help me out, filling out i130 form online for my spouse and I am stuck at Part 5 Question is "Have you EVER previously filed a petition for this beneficiary or any other alien? Should I Say "YES"? since I applied for my both parents back in 2021 and they are approved. my second question is if I choose here YES then the online application allowing me to put the information for only one parent. means, I only can put the information about my Mother either my father not for the both parents. so what should I do in this situation for better understand my question I uploaded the snapshot s of the screen where i am having a hard time. any help is appreciated. Thank a lot.
  15. What is a IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa? IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visas are immigrant visas issued to foreign spouses of US Citizens. After the US citizen spouse files (and has approved) the proper petition with the USCIS, the foreign spouse will complete the visa process completely outside the US. Upon approval and once issued, the foreign spouse may enter the US with their visa and pass through the arrival Port of Entry, where they will become a Permanent Resident immediately. They will receive a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) in the mail at their US Address within a few weeks. Note to K3 Applicants: This process also applies to K3 Visa applicants whom have had their I-130 approved prior to their I-129f. In this case you may chose to persue the I-130 path as opposed the the K3. This will allow the immigrating relative to enter as a permanent resident as opposed to having to file for adjustment once here. If the I-129f is later approved and forwarded to the embassy then you can write them to request the approved I-130 be acted on and the K-3 process abandoned. Who is Eligible to File? U.S. citizens legally married to a foreign national may petition for a IR-1 / CR-1 visa. If the marriage is less than two years old, the consulate will issue a CR-1 Visa (and if longer than two years it will issue a IR-1 Visa). The primary difference between these two visas is that a CR-1 Visa will result in Conditional Permanent Residency (requiring a petition to be filed later to lift this conditional status) versus a IR-1 Visa resulting in full Permanent Residency upon arrival in the US by the foreign spouse. Forms Needed to File for a IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa: 1. I-130 2. I-130A 3. G-1145 (optional) The above forms can be filled out on your computer and printed. Make sure you sign and date them as required. Anything you cannot fit by typing, you can handwrite (very neatly) in black ink in the blank instead. You should always verify the current forms at www.uscis.gov. Assembling the I-130 Package: Checklist Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.): 1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a personal check so you can track the payment. Money Orders are also accepted. Read the Guide to Paying USCIS Immigration Fees. 2. Cover Letter. Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-130), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet. 3. Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative 4. Copy of the full Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport. This is used to establish citizenship. 5. A copy of petitioner's proof of naturalization. (If applicable) 6. A copy of petitioner's proof of permanent residency. (If applicable) 7. A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate and/or passport along with English translation. (If in any language other than English) (no longer needed) 8. A copy of your marriage certificate (If not in English then again get a translation) 9. If either you or your spouse were previously married, submit copies of documents showing that all prior marriages were legally terminated (court certified copies of the petitioner's and/or intending immigrant's divorce documents). 10. A copy of a prior spouse's death certificate. (If one or both of you were married before, and the prior spouse died) 11. Two passport-type photos (see specification) of the petitioner. Write the full name on the back of each photo. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Insert Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding I-130. 12. Two passport-type photos (see specification) of the non-US Citzen spouse. Write the full name of the beneficiary on the back of each photo. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of (insert name) ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding I-130. 13. Evidence of a bonafide marriage (see note below for what to include) 14. Form I-130A: Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary Evidence of a Bonifide Marriage The USCIS now requires that when filing an I-130 for a spouse that you include evidence of a bonifide marriage. They list examples of acceptable evidence as: 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 thereis an ongoing marital union. Attach "E-Notification" Form (Optional) Clip a completed G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, to the first page of your application (on top of the cover page). By completing this form and attaching it, USCIS will send you an email and/or text message to alert you when your application was received. Mail the I-130 Package to the USCIS You should mail the completed form(s) to the proper USCIS address here (Note the location & PO Box address for your filing type: stand alone). Mail the package with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation. Send via USPS. IMPORTANT! Make TWO copies of the entire package before you send it in. This includes the money orders too. You want to have a perfect replica of the package you are sending in. All Forms that you submit must be originals with original signatures. Supporting Evidence that you submit may be photocopies. Retain ALL original supporting Evidence since the USCIS has the right to check them by issuing an RFE (Request For Evidence). If you receive an RFE, follow the direction exactly, and make two copies of what you sent back. During any future interviews the USCIS may also want to examine the original supporting evidence. Create a VJ Timeline Estimate processing time and approval date: Creating a VJ Timeline will allow you to track your case and will generate an estimated approval date for your petition. You can always gain access to many other tools to help you plan how long your Visa Journey will take! What Happens After You Mail the I-130 Out? A few weeks after you have sent your petition to the USCIS you will receive a Notice of Action (aka NOA) letter indicating that they have begun processing your I-130 application. You can check the status of your application as well as other processing time information here. When your I-130 petition is finally approved, the service center that processed your petition, will send you another Notice of Action letter indicating your approval, and the forwarding of your approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, along with a phone number to contact the NVC with. Your case will now only be dealt with by the NVC. The service center that you filed with, will have no more knowledge on the status of your petition or case. A few weeks after you have received your last Notice of Action indicating the approval and forwarding of your I-130 application to the NVC, the NVC will send your relative a packet of forms that you and your relative must fill out before your relative can be given an interview date with a consulate abroad. The packet will likely contain instructions to fill out the DS-261 and DS-260 online forms, by the intending immigrant. An I-864 form is also included that must be filled out by the petitioner (living in the US). The I-864 is the Affidavit of Support form that requires copies of the petitioners past 3 U.S tax returns (or tax transcripts which are free from the IRS) as well as any bank or financial records available (see the I-864 for exact requirements based on your case). The petitioner must make at least 125% above the U.S federal poverty to indicate to the U.S government that the intending immigrant will not become a federal charge to the government when he/she arrives in the U.S.. If the petitioner cannot meet these requirements, then he/she must still file an I-864, and find a joint sponsor who can meet the requirements on his/her own. When a joint sponsor is needed ,proof of their U.S citizenship or permanent residency is required. (i.e. copy of birth certificate, immigration status etc). The joint sponsor must be residing in the U.S, and he/she must also submit his/her past 3 years U.S tax returns along with bank or any other financial records available. The joint sponsor must submit his/her own I-864 form to accompany the petitioner's I-864 form. Forms that may be either sent back (or requested to be gathered and kept for the interview) to the NVC or the consulate abroad (depending upon which consulate you are going through) before an interview date with a consulate abroad can be scheduled are as follows: Pre-Interview Forms / Items: 1. Completed and signed OF-169. 2. Completed and signed Of-230 Part 1 and 2 forms. 3. I-864 Affidavit of Support Form along with past 3 year U.S tax returns (or transcripts) and any other financial documents required. 4. A copy of intending immigrants biographic page of passport(s) including expiration date. 5. Original or certified "long" birth certificate. * 6. Original adoption decree. (if applicable) 7. Marriage certificate. (if applicable) 8. Divorce decree(s) or death certificate(s) (if applicable) 9. Police certificate(s) ** 10. Court and prison records.(if applicable) 11. Custody records. (if applicable) 12. Military records (if applicable) * Per the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), they may also be unavailable. Or certain countries don't have individual birth certificates as understood in the US, but the FAM will describe the suitable document. The consulate can explain the alternate requirements to the beneficiary in detail. ** On police clearances, as per the FAM, they may be unavailable. Or with some countries [Korea comes to mind], they will be sent directly to the consulate from the involved government. The consulate can explain the alternate requirements to the beneficiary in detail. After the NVC or Consulate Abroad receives the above forms and supporting documents (which may not all be required to mail back at that time), an interview date will be scheduled for the intending immigrant at a consulate abroad. The NVC or the consulate abroad will send your relative a letter indicating at what time and day the interview is scheduled for, and of required forms that must be brought to the interview. Make two copies of each original document or piece of evidence below and bring them with you. Documents needed are: Interview Forms / Items: 1. Valid Passport. 2. Original or certified "long" birth certificate. * 3. Original adoption decree. (if applicable) 4. Original or certified copy of the marriage certificate. (if applicable) 5. Original death certificate. (if applicable) 6. Original divorce decree. (if applicable) 7. Police certificate. ** 8. Court record(s) (if applicable). 9. I-864 Affidavit of Support Form along with past 3 year U.S tax returns (or transcripts) and any other financial documents required. (see poverty limits here) 10. Court and prison records.(if applicable) 11. Medical examination information 12. Two passport-type photos (see specification) of the spouse or benefitiary * You should have the originals on hand at this point for the Final Interview. Per the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), they may also be unavailable. Or certain countries don't have individual birth certificates as understood in the US, but the FAM will describe the suitable document. The consulate can explain the alternate requirements to the beneficiary in detail. ** On police clearances, as per the FAM, they may be unavailable. Or with some countries [Korea comes to mind], they will be sent directly to the consulate from the involved government. The consulate can explain the alternate requirements to the beneficiary in detail. On The day of your relatives (or spouses) interview, he/she must bring EVERY document listed above that applies to your case, and should be prepared for a long wait. There may be additional forms required. The interview appointment sheet will contain a list of everything you must bring. It will also tell you the payment amount due and the forms of payment accepted. The interview can last for as littles as 10 minutes or up to an hour depending upon your specific case. You relative will take an oath under US law to tell the truth, and it is very important that your relative answer every question as truthfully as possible. In general, it is a good idea that your relative bring documentation to prove strong ties and a relationship with you, the petitioner. (i.e. phone bills, letters etc.) If the consulate officer approves your relative's immigrant visa application, your relative will be issued an immigrant visa that allows your relative to become a US permanent resident. Your relative will become a U.S permanent resident only when he/she enters the U.S at a port of entry, until this time, he/she only has an immigrant visa that is valid up to 6 months from the interview date. If your relative cannot immigrate to the U.S within the 6 month allotted time, then his/her immigrant visa will expire, and the I-130 process must start all over again. At the bottom of either a CR-1 Spouse Visa or IR-1 Spouse Visa is the following sentence, "Upon Endorsement Serves As Temporary I-551 Valid For One Year." The endorsement is a standard CBP admission stamp with applicable information written in by the officer. This allows the visa itself to act as a temporary green card before the actual green card arrives in the mail. Additionally, if your relative is a CR-1 visa holder, the green card will only be valid for two years. Within ninety days before the green card expires, you will have to file an I-751 form to remove it's conditional status. As a general note, please see the I-130 FAQs here.
  16. Hi guys, just a quick question. Tried searching to save asking what is probably a simple question but they keywords bring far too many threads to find what I need. I am the beneficiary, we submitted our I-130 petition in March, I have had just had to replace my passport as it was expiring. Would it be best to send the USCIS an update with my new passport number now or wait until the I-130 is reviewed. If it was being reviewed anytime soon I’d just leave leave it but it’s not likely to be looked at this year so wondered if it was better to update them now. Thanks
  17. I did not find I-130 May 2022 May Filers for parents so i created one. I submitted Application for my mom on 1st of May 2022. Got NOA1 on the same day. Sent to Potomac SC. Now i just wait.
  18. My parents are older, so when they got vaccinations for things there weren't records/or they are lost. They have proof for all the COVID vaccinations but none of the ones that are from childhood. What does the medical reviewer expect for the I-130 medical interview? Do they need to re-do everything (is that even safe?), do they do blood work/tests that show immunity? Any suggestions?
  19. I am currently residing outside the US, and I am a US citizen (born there) and I am filing for my son who is 1 year old the I-130 form. I have few questions pls: I am submitting his birth certificate, anything else I should file as well for him: like a photo/picture passport, a copy of his passport, etc.? I am translating his birth certificate, any details I should be mindful off? Should the translator list their name and contact info? In the I-130 instructions, they mention: the translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. So would they need to add that in a statement? I am submitting a copy of my US passport (born in the US): Do I also need to submit pictures of myself in addition to that? Do I need to submit my birth certificate even if I was born in the US? After submitting the file online, what are the next steps and how long each step would take before receiving the approval? After I get the approval and I take him to the US, what would the steps be to get him the passport once I move to the US? And do you know how long would each of the steps take? I am not filing for my spouse just yet, as I want to ensure my child gets the approval, I settle and find a job then I would apply for him. Do you know if that is okay or it would be better to file for them together? Thanks.
  20. Hello, My wife is applying for her mother, who is currently here in USA in a B2 visa. So, she is applying i-130 and i-485 together. Here are some questions she has, if anyone can help that would be great. 1. During concurrent filling does she need to submit i-864 and i-693? 2. if i-864 is required then which address I have to send it out? NVC or USCIS? 3. is there any additional fees required for i-864. 4. Can I sponsor here where she is living in the same house hold with us and how?
  21. Hello! I am a USC, my wife and I came to Dubai back in February to search for employment. We were living off of savings for about 1.5-2 months until I got my current job in April and I applied for my wife to get a spouse visa so that we could stay together whilst she continues job hunting. We have been here for about 3 months now and I just recently got a great job offer back in the states with a nice salary that would start in August. The only problem is that if I take this job my wife would lose her visa here and would have to go back to her home country so after doing a bit of research I found out about direct consular filing under exceptional circumstances as a way to bring her back to the states with me since I have a job offer with a short notice. However, I learned that at least 6 months of residency is a requirement for the consulate to accept an application for DCF. Is 3 months considered “short notice”? Also, since my wife and I were in Dubai for a few months prior to us getting residency and my job doesn’t start for another 3 months I would technically have over 6 months of residency before having to leave the country would that be acceptable? Do we qualify for DCF? thanks!
  22. Hi all, Thank you for allowing me to join, I read about the page on Facebook. A little about my background, I arrived in the USA on my visa waiver (WVP) for a 2 week trip with my USC fiancé, on the last day of the trip she asked me not to go home, stay with her in the USA and get married earlier than we planned. We are now married, I have overstayed my WVP and I'm out of status. We are about to file our AOS package. The question I have is, what date do I put in for the 'move in date' to her address for the I-130 and I-1485? Do I put the date I arrived in the USA, the date she asked me to stay with her, the date we are filing the AOS package or another date? I'm not sure if it complicates things, but I also have a lease back in my home country which I'm still paying for as obviously I didn't expect to be moving across the world without notice so I 'legally' haven't left that lease yet. Is it safe for her to add me to her lease in the USA as well? Any help would be gratefully received.
  23. Hi, group. I hope everyone is doing fine today. 18 years ago my dad applied for my mom and me with the form I-130. USCIS sent us a notice of approval, but after that my dad didn't follow up with NVC. I asked NVC for my case number and they replied. I checked the status and it says "At NVC". Is it possible to continue with this case after 18 years? maybe with a lawyer? Or do I need to start over with USCIS? I am 27 years old (not married) and my dad is a USA citizen. I hope someone can help. Thanks in advance!
  24. Hi, group. I hope everyone is doing fine today. 18 years ago my dad (LPR back then) applied for my mom (beneficiary) and me (me as a derivative) with the form I-130 in 2003. USCIS sent us a notice of approval in 2005, but after that, my dad didn't follow up with NVC. I asked NVC for my case number and they replied. I checked the status and it says "At NVC". NVC sent a notice of 1 year in 2011 but still my dad didn't follow up for reasons beyond his control. Is it possible to continue with this case after 18 years? maybe with a lawyer? Or do I need to start over with USCIS and a new I-130? I am 27 years old (not married) and my dad is a USA citizen now (naturalized). USCIS still shows as "My case was approved" NVC shows: At NVC. I hope someone can help. Thanks in advance!
  25. Hello! I am a US citizen filing for my father, who is Russian citizen located in Russia. One of the questions: At which U.S. Embassy or Consulate location will the beneficiary apply for an immigrant visa? I know that US Embassy is closed for public and does not process visitor and immigrant visas, so as far as know all cases are being redirected to Warsaw Embassy, Poland. However, the system would let me put Russia, Moscow as my Embassy of choice. Do I put Moscow or Warsaw? Thanks a lot!
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