what documents does my husband need to bring with him from the Philippines to start a CR1 petition/visa

[Sevenuz 0]

Hi all,

There probably are topics already started regarding on this matter, but I just want to know for sure and get accurate info. (from the veterans here) as to what my husband needs to bring before he goes back home(united states) and start the cr1 petition. I have seen that an NSO Marriage Cert is one (which I am still looking for the quickest most effective way to expedite it, any advice would be greatly appreciated).

Also, from this link, it says that the Evidence of Bonafide Marriage is needed, I am currently pregnant (with my husband's child, he stated i should point it out, lol), and the child is not due not until november, so I was wondering if more evidence means better chances of getting approved, or how does that work?

I am also concerned as to getting vaccines and xray(since I am pregnant), if this would stop me from getting the petition approved. Also, does united states require the child to be vaccinated before they let them in the country?

Any helpful info. would be greatly appreciated.

Have a blessed day!

[manilaraf 28]

Download the instructions for the I-130 petition. That will give you the exact requirements that you need to send in when filing the petition. I filed my I-130 direct with the Embassy here in Manila, so there were a few differences from the I-130 instructions.

NSO Marriage Cert can easily be gotten via your nearest SM, in the business center. You can pick it up after a few days, they'll tell you when to come back for it.

As for evidence of bonafide marriage, anything that'll help USCIS be convinced that your marriage is real will help.

We used the following when we filed:

• NSO Certificate of Marriage
• Bank Certification of Deposit: Got this from BPI showing that we have two joint accounts, PHL Peso and US Dollar
• Family Photos: I went through my iPhoto archive and selected a total of 86 shots from various points of our relationship; Dating/Pre Marriage, Civil Wedding Ceremony, PreNup Photo Shoot, Church Wedding & Reception, Photos together since we got married
• Copy of our Church Wedding Invitation
• Copy of our Church Wedding Massbook

As for vaccines & X-rays (yours and your kid's), you can read up on it on the Embassy Website or at St Luke's:

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3218.html

http://www.slec.ph/us-visa-applicants.shtml

[Sevenuz 0]

thanks, will keep this in mind.

[Brassballs 47]

My recommendations (at least 4 copies of each):

NSO birth certificate

NSO marriage certificate

CENOMAR (if applicable)

Data page of your passport (color preferable, not required)

G325a (signed in blue ink)

At least 8-10 color photo id's (1x1 and 2x2)

NCI background clearance

Vaccination record if available

10-20 photos (before marriage, with your family, wedding, honeymoon, etc)

Transcripts of Skype, yahoo, etc. chats

And finally take with plenty of patience. This is not a quick process even if everything is done correctly and goes smoothly. Don't get high blood when there are bumps in the road. There is really nothing that you can do to accelerate the process.

I also wouldn't be too concerned about getting vaccinations at SLEC while pregnant. More likely than not you will have a beautiful baby before you get call to report to SLEC for med check. Also be advised that when you read / review info here that you make sure that it pertains to CR1 visa status and NOT K1 fiancé. Most but of course not all does pertain to K1 visas. Process for each is similar but definitely not the same. There are many critical, paperwork-wise differences, so when asking questions or reading about other couples issues, make sure it pertains to your CR1 case.

You should also read up on the CR2 (dependent child) visa requirements. May or may not be an issue since bio father is American. But even that will present more issues for you to prove to the USEM that your husband is the bio father. Just saying so is not proof enough to the USEM and you will probably need to obtain (pay for) a DNA test. May take some time but at least child will be traveling on an US passport vs Phil PP with US visa.

Good luck. Be calm. Let me know if I can provide any additional assistance. Possibly I can help you/your asawa from making mistakes that I have.

Jim

[manilaraf 28]

Please note that NSO is not in the list of requirements for the initial filing of the I-130. Your US Citizen Spouse will need to show proof of US Citizenship, so they'll either need to submit a US Birth Certificate or a US Passport.

NSO Birth Certificate is not needed for the initial filing of the I-130, unless you're doing it via Direct Consular Filing. NSO BC will be needed later on for the Visa Interview stage once the I-130 has been approved by USCIS.

Vaccination record not needed for the initial I-130 petition. Again, if you have one available, it'll be needed for the Medical Exam at SLEC later on, after the I-130 is approved and before the US Embassy visa interview.

NBI clearance, again, not needed for initial I-130 filing, but will be needed later on for the US Embassy Visa Interview.

[Brassballs 47]

I know OP requested what was required for initial filing.

What I provided was for total process. Much less expensive and timely to take everything now instead of DHLing them later.

Just my opinion. But you are in fact correct as for original I130 filing.

Jim

[JohnandMhay 13]

While NBI is not needed for I-130 filing it will be needed for the IV package once I-130 is approved and moves to NVC, although a copy is fine for the IV package.

We filed I-130 Oct 14th, it was sent to TSC and approved Oct 31st.

NVC is moving considerably slower now. AOS invoiced Dec 31, IV invoiced Feb 23rd

[Brassballs 47]

You are correct.... Lockbox to service center is the fastest part of the process. From now on the process becomes r e a l l y S l o w!

Even slower and more frustrating when you KNOW you filled out forms correctly (in your opinion) but in fact not the way NVC expects, form gets bounced back for whatever reason and you are faced with the proverbial wait 60 days for us to review your corrected document stock reply. Has happened twice to us so far.

FYI when you are sending NVC Philippine documents (BC, MC, etc) anything that that would be obtained from the NSO, SEND THEM ORIGINAL ON YELLOW SECURITY PAPER forms. They will NOT accept possibly photoshopped (I guess) copies. May save you some aggravation during the process.

Jim

[Sevenuz 0]

thanks for all the input, we are not expecting it to be quick, but hopefully not over a year and a half. thanks again everyone

[Sevenuz 0]

oh, one more thing, the USCIS website says that : ( for I-130 form )

• When possible, download the form from our website and complete it with a computer.
• If you hand write your answers, use black ink. Make sure your entries are neat, legible, and within the space provided.

I don't see any instruction for the G325a form, is it a must to use blue ink, or can i fill it out in the computer using blue font?

[Hank_ 9,171]

oh, one more thing, the USCIS website says that : ( for I-130 form )

• When possible, download the form from our website and complete it with a computer.
• If you hand write your answers, use black ink. Make sure your entries are neat, legible, and within the space provided.

I don't see any instruction for the G325a form, is it a must to use blue ink, or can i fill it out in the computer using blue font?

Don't need to use blue color for anything, black works best