starting spousal visa

[nathanp 6]

i know its been asked many times.but i want to make sure things start out rite and go smoothly as possible.

what do i need to start the spousal visa?im an american and my wife is filipina.im in arizona in the phoenix area so i know ill apply in california and my wife donna is in makati.my dad isnt too sure how im to do it as he did the fiance visa.so i decided its time to post here and ask those who have actually done it.ill be filing myself as i see no reason to pay someone to do it for me.but for now i need to know how to start the process please//thank you all in advance

[jsumner86 403]

Is your wife already in the US, or still in the Philippines? And if you're not adjusting status and just need the spousal visa you need to start with the I-130.

Which is on the USCIS website.

You can also find a guide of filing it here on the form, right here.

This is just the start of it all though, the first part of the process.

[nathanp 6]

Is your wife already in the US, or still in the Philippines? And if you're not adjusting status and just need the spousal visa you need to start with the I-130.

Which is on the USCIS website.

You can also find a guide of filing it here on the form, right here.

This is just the start of it all though, the first part of the process.

shes still in the philippines.i will check out the link.a friends wife i met up with in manila when i was there will be here next month so i can get her and her husbands help.but for now i want to get the visa started.so i will surly check out the link

Is your wife already in the US, or still in the Philippines? And if you're not adjusting status and just need the spousal visa you need to start with the I-130.

Which is on the USCIS website.

You can also find a guide of filing it here on the form, right here.

This is just the start of it all though, the first part of the process.

the link you gave me is either incomplete or down.i doubt its down as its a VJ link.or unless on a separate server.when i go to it.it cant be found.

[jsumner86 403]

Then you need to file the I-130. Follow the instructions, pretty simple and clear to understand. If you need any help just look around the forum for answers, and loads of people are here to help . Welcome to the start of it all, and good luck!

Try this: visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

Sorry about that

Edited February 25, 2014 by jsumner86

[nathanp 6]

Then you need to file the I-130. Follow the instructions, pretty simple and clear to understand. If you need any help just look around the forum for answers, and loads of people are here to help . Welcome to the start of it all, and good luck!

Try this: visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

Sorry about that

thank you.i really appreciate it.makes things a lot easier when i know what is all needed and its no problem.im at the page and able to see everything.thats a lot better than the info i found the other day.again thank you

[Ed and Gina 45]

Be prepared for a long process. Currently, I-130 are taking about 9 months to process at USCIS. Then it goes to NVC - could be another 3 - 5 months before it is forwarded to Manila - another 2 - 3 months. Everyone's case is a little different. USCIS got bogged down with Obama's pet project called DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) - which, effectively, put US Citizens and their spouses/immediate family members on the back burner while 521,815 undocumented residents in the US got deferments of deportation and Green Cards in the past 1-1/2 years!! More of this sort of thing is likely to come - Obama isn't finished with playing with Immigration. So, get your paperwork put together. You do need a copy of your NSO Marriage Certificate...it took us 4 months to get that...supposedly "expedited" service.

As others have mentioned here...there's a lot of help and resources available. Unless you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, don't bother with an immigration attorney...unless there's something quirky - such as overstaying a visa or having been denied a visa for false statements or something...everything should go through pretty easily. Triple and quadruple check that you've properly filled out the paperwork and included the required documentation and signatures in the right places.

Good Luck!!!

[nathanp 6]

Be prepared for a long process. Currently, I-130 are taking about 9 months to process at USCIS. Then it goes to NVC - could be another 3 - 5 months before it is forwarded to Manila - another 2 - 3 months. Everyone's case is a little different. USCIS got bogged down with Obama's pet project called DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) - which, effectively, put US Citizens and their spouses/immediate family members on the back burner while 521,815 undocumented residents in the US got deferments of deportation and Green Cards in the past 1-1/2 years!! More of this sort of thing is likely to come - Obama isn't finished with playing with Immigration. So, get your paperwork put together. You do need a copy of your NSO Marriage Certificate...it took us 4 months to get that...supposedly "expedited" service.

As others have mentioned here...there's a lot of help and resources available. Unless you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, don't bother with an immigration attorney...unless there's something quirky - such as overstaying a visa or having been denied a visa for false statements or something...everything should go through pretty easily. Triple and quadruple check that you've properly filled out the paperwork and included the required documentation and signatures in the right places.

Good Luck!!!

the time is ok for now due to the fact it gives me more time to save for her arrival.i want to have as much money saved up as possible for when she is here especially with the economy the way it is.time goes by fast for me anyways my wife has our marriage license.i dont know if she can apply for another one.im assuming she can go to NSO to do it.we went there when i was there to get some paper work she needed.her mom can go with her.she always helped us before.i know the sooner i start the process the better.we got married in november.so its been several months and its time.i also have someone coming here in march so im hoping all paper work can be ready before this woman leaves and can bring it back/her husband lives in same apartment complex as i and my dad works with him.i brought her a care package and gave it to her at the airport when i landed so it shouldnt be any problem to bring me paper work needed i had a question.but i forgot.my dad ios calling me to help get things ready haha

[nathanp 6]

do yall know if a xerox copy of marriage license will be sufficient enough?and how bout xerox copies of any other papers?

[li_09 40]

Copies are all fine for USCIS.

Originals and certified copies will be required once your case has reached NVC and embassy

[nathanp 6]

Copies are all fine for USCIS.

Originals and certified copies will be required once your case has reached NVC and embassy

nice thank you.makes things a lot easier on my end rite now