IR1 versus CR1 confusion + questions

[ariani 71]

Maybe I misunderstood how it works, but when I called Cap 1 to activate the card, it asked for the last 4 digits of my SSN. Maybe it's different for different banks?

????

https://login1.capitalone.com/loginweb/login/oalanding.do

Try doing it online via the link above.

[Innocence 1]

As I was reviewing all the checklists and package info, I noticed that 2 passport style photos were one of the things to include in the IV package, which our lawyer definitely did NOT mention. So now I'm thinking what I should do next. Is there any reason to send them in now separately BEFORE being checklisted or we now have to wait to be checklisted and THEN have to send the pictures? If we can send them in now to chase our Dec 11 submitted docs, how would we mark them correctly so they'd get added to the correct file? Any thoughts are appreciated.

Also, Ariani, I tried to activate both by phone and through that link and every time I try to sign up it still requires my SSN, so I'm just gonna have to go a different route. Thank you for trying to help.

[slangofoil 50]

I'd still be worried about the F-1 overstay. I'm surprised no one has commented on that. I really don't know enough about overstays to say much, but I hope someone who does will come along.

[Saylin 1,605]

As I was reviewing all the checklists and package info, I noticed that 2 passport style photos were one of the things to include in the IV package, which our lawyer definitely did NOT mention. So now I'm thinking what I should do next. Is there any reason to send them in now separately BEFORE being checklisted or we now have to wait to be checklisted and THEN have to send the pictures? If we can send them in now to chase our Dec 11 submitted docs, how would we mark them correctly so they'd get added to the correct file? Any thoughts are appreciated.

Also, Ariani, I tried to activate both by phone and through that link and every time I try to sign up it still requires my SSN, so I'm just gonna have to go a different route. Thank you for trying to help.

If you're sure the lawyer didn't send the two passport photos, then yes, it might be a good idea to send them asap. You can send them now if you wish, you don't have to wait to have a checklist before sending them stuff. Just include the bar-coded cover sheet from the IV bill, then include a cover letter as to what you're sending in and why (you forgot to send them in the IV package). Make sure your full name, date of birth, and case number are written on the back of both photos. I'd suggest you put them in a Ziploc bag, then staple the bag to a plain piece of paper. So, in order: cover sheet, cover letter, photos.

And as I mentioned earlier, every bank is different. So, some banks require SSN and others don't. Looks like the one you tried requires it.

[Ryan H 3,857]

***Hijack post split off. Also, another post that was nothing more than off topic commentary removed along with post quoting. When posting in this thread, please limit your posts to directly answering the OP's questions or else refrain from posting.***

[Innocence 1]

I'd still be worried about the F-1 overstay. I'm surprised no one has commented on that. I really don't know enough about overstays to say much, but I hope someone who does will come along.

You're right, slangofoil, I've been worried about it too. The lawyer says I do not need pardon for that overstay but considering she forgot to mention the photos to send as part of the IV package, it makes me question her judgement and expertise (even though she is charging an arm and a leg for her services).

If you're sure the lawyer didn't send the two passport photos, then yes, it might be a good idea to send them asap. You can send them now if you wish, you don't have to wait to have a checklist before sending them stuff. Just include the bar-coded cover sheet from the IV bill, then include a cover letter as to what you're sending in and why (you forgot to send them in the IV package). Make sure your full name, date of birth, and case number are written on the back of both photos. I'd suggest you put them in a Ziploc bag, then staple the bag to a plain piece of paper. So, in order: cover sheet, cover letter, photos.

And as I mentioned earlier, every bank is different. So, some banks require SSN and others don't. Looks like the one you tried requires it.

Thanks again, Saylin, I'm going to go out and get pictures taken tomorrow and transfer files to my husband and let him print them out and send them in. The lawyer for some reason mentioned two photos before but only that I needed to have them for the interview. I find this conflict of information rather worrisome, as I've been relying on her to do her job properly and provide accurate information. We're going to send in the pictures and then call the lawyer after the holidays to get an explanation from her and to check again about the F-1 overstay which has caused me quite a bit of worry.

[Saylin 1,605]

[...]

Thanks again, Saylin, I'm going to go out and get pictures taken tomorrow and transfer files to my husband and let him print them out and send them in. The lawyer for some reason mentioned two photos before but only that I needed to have them for the interview. I find this conflict of information rather worrisome, as I've been relying on her to do her job properly and provide accurate information. We're going to send in the pictures and then call the lawyer after the holidays to get an explanation from her and to check again about the F-1 overstay which has caused me quite a bit of worry.

Yeah, missing something small like that would make me wary of what she's submitted already (and what she HASN'T submitted).

As for the overstay, I don't know much about those, except that if needed (it varies by case, obviously) a waiver would have to be filed after the interview. I'd suggest looking in the waiver forum (http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/113-waivers-i-601-and-i-212-and-administrative-processes-221g/) and seeing if you can find any info on overstays for F-1 visas. If not, I'd suggest creating your own thread in that forum and just explain your overstay (how long you were here for, how long it's been since you've been here, etc) and if you'll need a waiver at the interview. Someone more knowledgeable will come along and help you out

[slangofoil 50]

You're right, slangofoil, I've been worried about it too. The lawyer says I do not need pardon for that overstay but considering she forgot to mention the photos to send as part of the IV package, it makes me question her judgement and expertise (even though she is charging an arm and a leg for her services).

Thanks again, Saylin, I'm going to go out and get pictures taken tomorrow and transfer files to my husband and let him print them out and send them in. The lawyer for some reason mentioned two photos before but only that I needed to have them for the interview. I find this conflict of information rather worrisome, as I've been relying on her to do her job properly and provide accurate information. We're going to send in the pictures and then call the lawyer after the holidays to get an explanation from her and to check again about the F-1 overstay which has caused me quite a bit of worry.

There are plenty of stories here of lawyers being incompetent or screwing up people's cases somehow.

An overstay past 365 days is a 10-year ban. I don't know anything about an F-1 that would make that rule not apply. There were a lot of questions in your initial post, so I suggest you make a separate post specifically addressing the overstay question in the waivers forum: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/113-waivers-i-601-and-i-212-and-administrative-processes-221g/

Good luck.

[Rob L 3,811]

Thanks a lot for such a quick response, Dave.

It's nice to have the information spelled out for us laypeople, because I haven't spoken with the lawyer personally, and when I tried calling to get some answers today, the answering machine said they're closed for the holidays and won't be at work until the 6th of January so that's another 2 weeks just to get in touch.

We might wait until our 2nd marriage anniversary for me to enter, although that's another half a year and we've been waiting so long already to finally live together. The upside is that he was made a VIP client by Delta for how many skymiles he's racked up in these years flying here. Is the fee to get the conditions removed very high? If not, I might just enter right after getting my visa approved because being apart has been traumatic enough these last few years.

As for joint accounts, last time he came he brought me a credit card making me an authorized user for his account. However, I still have to call Capital 1 to activate it and I'm afraid they'll ask for my SSN which I, of course, do not have yet. So that might be a no-go. He hasn't filed taxes while married yet because in the last two years he hasn't needed to file due to the fact that he hasn't been permanently employed outside of the home. It's not a very great situation for us but taking care of parents is very important to both of us.

you

Thanks again for taking the time out of your day to read and answer.

Joint accounts

I don't think that Capital one will ask for your SSN if they already sent you the card. If you do not have your SSN yet you can apply for a Taxpayer ID number via the IRS or a registered agent ( usually a company that files takes for you like HR Block will have one on staff. ) that can be used in a number of forms that need a SSN ( Bank accounts, credit and some federal forms). If your husband has insurance accounts he can make you the beneficiary and that can help document shared financial resources.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number :

ITIN

An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN).

To obtain an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (PDF) . The Form W-7 requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and true identity for each individual. You may either mail the documentation, along with the Form W-7, to the address shown in the Form W-7 Instructions, present it at IRS walk-in offices, or process your application through an Acceptance Agent authorized by the IRS. Form W-7(SP), Solicitud de Número de Identificación Personal del Contribuyente del Servicio de Impuestos Internos (PDF) is available for use by Spanish speakers.

Acceptance Agents are entities (colleges, financial institutions, accounting firms, etc.) who are authorized by the IRS to assist applicants in obtaining ITINs. They review the applicant's documentation and forward the completed Form W-7 to IRS for processing.

NOTE: You cannot claim the earned income credit using an ITIN.

Foreign persons who are individuals should apply for a social security number (SSN, if permitted) on Form SS-5 with the Social Security Administration, or should apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on Form W-7. Effective immediately, each ITIN applicant must now:

• Apply using the revised Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number; and
• Attach a federal income tax return to the Form W-7.

Applicants who meet one of the exceptions to the requirement to file a tax return (see the Instructions for Form W-7) must provide documentation to support the exception.

New W-7/ITIN rules were issued on December 17, 2003. For a summary of those rules, please see the new Form W-7 and its instructions.

For more detailed information on ITINs, refer to:

• ITIN FAQ's in English
• ITIN FAQ's in Spanish
• Obtaining an ITIN from Abroad
• Reminders for Tax Professionals
• ITIN's and FIRPTA Tax Forms
• Revisions to ITIN Process
• ITIN Products
• Filing Forms W-2 and 1042-S Without Payee TIN’s
• Acceptance Agent Program for ITIN’s
• How to Become an Acceptance Agent for IRS ITIN Numbers
• Publication 1915, Understanding Your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (PDF)

[Saylin 1,605]

Joint accounts

I don't think that Capital one will ask for your SSN if they already sent you the card. If you do not have your SSN yet you can apply for a Taxpayer ID number via the IRS or a registered agent ( usually a company that files takes for you like HR Block will have one on staff. ) that can be used in a number of forms that need a SSN ( Bank accounts, credit and some federal forms). If your husband has insurance accounts he can make you the beneficiary and that can help document shared financial resources.

[...]

Are you sure you can use an ITIN for bank accounts/credit cards? I always thought you can only use an ITIN on tax forms and that's it...

[ariani 71]

OP...

I don't know if you know what the abbreviations stand for so I will cover all the bases.

SSN = Social Security Number

CVV = Card Verification Value

They need the CVV (three digit number) from the card itself.

Here is the info from their website:

Can I activate my credit card online?

Yes, you can activate your new credit card online. When you receive your card in the mail, visitwww.capitalone.com/activate. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to create your online banking username and password. Then you’ll need to enter the 3-digit CVV code from the back of your card to complete activation

2. What do I need in order to activate my new credit card?

   To activate your card, you'll need to enter the 3-digit security code from the back of your card.

3. What do I need in order to enroll in online banking for my credit card?

   To enroll in online banking, you'll need to have your credit card handy, a valid e-mail address, and other personal information such as your date of birth and Social Security number.

4. Where will I find my security code when I’m ready to activate my credit card?

   The 3-digit security code is on the back of your credit card beside the space for your signature.

I hope this information helps you...

[ariani 71]

To register for an online account you would have to provide your spouse's information including SSN.

[Rob L 3,811]

Are you sure you can use an ITIN for bank accounts/credit cards? I always thought you can only use an ITIN on tax forms and that's it...

We tried to add my wife to my Credit Union accounts and they would accept a social security number or an ITIN ( they are the same format) I have heard of other banks that require nothing, not sure how they can do that as they have to issue a tax statement at the end of the year. I am not sure about ITIN and applying for credit. It would depend on whether the Credit reporting agencies are tracking that way ( you might be surprised, they have databases on everything)

[Innocence 1]

To register for an online account you would have to provide your spouse's information including SSN.

Thanks Ariani, I think it worked activating by phone using my husband's SSN instead of mine. However, when I check online I still do not see my name added as an authorized user. Wonder if it's just that it takes them a while, or there's a different glitch.

Today,I'm going to try finding out more about the F-1 overstay and how it might affect my interview. If anyone has useful info, please chime in. Thanks everyone.

[Innocence 1]

Hi again everyone,

something I noticed today on our paperwork, maybe someone has any ideas or experience with this. When we got married I hyphenated my last name, so now it's my maiden name plus my husband's last name. Within a month or so of our marriage I already had my new passport with the name changed and my "traveling passport" which in Ukraine is for traveling abroad, has all your info in English instead of Ukrainian. Well, I was going through some of the old NVC correspondence my name still appears only as my maiden name. However, my husband printed out the bar-coded cover sheet to send in the pictures we forgot to send with the original IV package and that cover sheet has my full name on it. When my husband first petitioned for me he definitely used my full name so what the heck happened is unclear. I'm so confused why in some correspondence they don't use my full name and in bills they do. Has anyone seen anything like this and how likely is it to affect the process or cause confusion with the paperwork?