Form DS-230 Questions

[Benjamin44 10]

Hello everyone,

So, I am filling out my Form DS-230 and getting ready to send it off to the Consulate (I have an approved I-130 which was filed DCF). I have encountered some questions:

1) On Item 35, it asks me to list all previous visits to the United States. I am a Canadian citizen who grew up in Toronto, Canada, very close to the border, and we have tons of friends and family in the U.S. We drove across the border countless times per year. In my life, I have probably visited the U.S. close to 100 times, and only once did I ever have a particular status (F-1 student, only in the country for 3 months as left the program afterwards). I obviously do not remember exact dates of all these visits, nor do I think they really want a list that long. What should I put down? Just my most recent visits, perhaps including the time I was there on an F-1 for 3 months?

2) Item 34 asks for previous military service. Does this include foregin military service or just U.S.? If I need to write that I served in a foreign army, does this in any way affect my application for an immigrant visa? The country is a friendly country to the U.S. but still, I am not sure they want people who served in a foreign army to become permanent residents.

3) I see that there is an option to select that you would like a Social Security Card to be mailed to you upon arrival in the United States, but that it is not required. Doesn't everybody who is a permanent resident need to have a Social Secrity Card? It seems obvious to check yes. Is there any reason in the world to check no and have to apply for one once I get there? Seems like extra money and expense. Is there any advantage to NOT asking for one now? Seems like everyone will for sure check yes, and it's strange to me that there is even an option- unless there is something I am missing.

Thanks everyone on this great forum for helping out!

[Ryan H 3,790]

1) On Item 35, it asks me to list all previous visits to the United States. I am a Canadian citizen who grew up in Toronto, Canada, very close to the border, and we have tons of friends and family in the U.S. We drove across the border countless times per year. In my life, I have probably visited the U.S. close to 100 times, and only once did I ever have a particular status (F-1 student, only in the country for 3 months as left the program afterwards). I obviously do not remember exact dates of all these visits, nor do I think they really want a list that long. What should I put down? Just my most recent visits, perhaps including the time I was there on an F-1 for 3 months?

Definitely include the time you entered on an F-1. As for all the others, I would suggest you write a statement that explains how you went to the US on very many occasions over the years to visit family and friends.

2) Item 34 asks for previous military service. Does this include foregin military service or just U.S.? If I need to write that I served in a foreign army, does this in any way affect my application for an immigrant visa? The country is a friendly country to the U.S. but still, I am not sure they want people who served in a foreign army to become permanent residents.

Yes, it does include foreign military service. If you have been discharged, include your discharge paperwork with your application. IMO, I believe that your prior service in a foreign military will not adversely affect your application. Just be prepared to answer questions about it if and when you are asked.

3) I see that there is an option to select that you would like a Social Security Card to be mailed to you upon arrival in the United States, but that it is not required. Doesn't everybody who is a permanent resident need to have a Social Secrity Card? It seems obvious to check yes. Is there any reason in the world to check no and have to apply for one once I get there? Seems like extra money and expense. Is there any advantage to NOT asking for one now? Seems like everyone will for sure check yes, and it's strange to me that there is even an option- unless there is something I am missing.

I would be willing to guess that people are able to count on one hand the number of times that the no box on this question has been checked.

Best wishes and Happy New Year to you!

Edited December 31, 2010 by Ryan H

[canadian_wife 1,785]

1. For the question pertaining to visits, I attached a separate sheet of paper and put on there that because I was a Canadian citizen and lived close the the border, plus not requiring a visa to visit, I visited quite often and do not recall all the visits. I then listed all the visits in the last few years that I do remember. Included in this was my time spent in the US on my F-1

2. Yes,put all military service.

3. That box on the DS230 is unreliable. You may check it if you like, but don't hold your breath that your SSN will be mailed to you. Go into the SSA office when you arrive in the US to have your SSN issued

Good luck