CR-1 visa [merged threads]

[Chidera Akor 0]

I am a US citizen and I want to file for my husband in Nigeria. I have not done any previous filing, this is my first and am trying to compile the documents but I have questions concerning the CR-1 visa.

1. Do i send original copies to USCIS 

2. I have changed my address but I didn't notify USCIS so should I tell them before filing or should I put the new address while filing or should I still use the old address. 

3. I don't have any evidence of a bonifide marriage with my husband because we are newly married so is it a must i have to put it in the filing or can I just leave it and explain to them that we are newly married.

4. Pls where can I see a sample of the cover letter i need to write. 

5. Pls do you know the exact amount for filing CR-1 visa.

 

[Roel 7,193]

From what I've heard about Nigeria, you should be prepared to show as many proofs of the bonafide relationship as possible. 

[mdnl 8]

1. No, you do not need to send the originals. Photocopies are enough.

2. Use your new address by the time you mail your application and documents.

3. You need to include any evidence you have: emails, letters, conversation logs (phone calls, chats), letters from your family or/and friends, photos

4. Submit all the documents financial documents you have. If you do not have the 2014 tax return, you need to include a letter explaining why you did not file tax at the time.

5. You can google it.

6. These are the fees: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/our-fees

Edited May 11, 2017 by mdnl

[aleska 27]

The USCIS-provided I-130 instructions are available here: https://www.uscis.gov/system/files_force/files/form/i-130instr.pdf

Be sure to read the instructions very carefully BEFORE sending your documents.

 

1. Do NOT send originals. You can send photocopies of all documents. The originals should be used when you appear for the interview at the US Embassy. (From the I-130 instructions: "You may submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during processing of an application, petition, or request. If you submit original documents when not required, the documents may remain a part of the record, and USCIS will not automatically return them to you.")
2. I'm confused. If you haven't filed the I-130 yet (I'm assuming that's the form you haven't filed yet), how would USCIS know your old address? Maybe I'm misunderstanding.
   1. If somehow USCIS has your old address, then you should use this USCIS site to change your address: https://egov.uscis.gov/coa/displayCOAForm.do
   2. If you haven't filed form I-130 yet, then you should simply put your new address on the form, assuming that's where you're currently living and receive mail.
3. Evidence for a Bona-Fide Marriage can include pre and post-marriage documentation. Here's a list (from this Wiki: http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1) that you should consider:
   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 there is an ongoing marital union.
   7. ** We included pictures of our relationship taken with other people, along with screenshots of text messages between us (about one per month during our relationship), travel itineraries and tickets of trips taken together, and bank transfers (because we did not have a joint bank account).
4. Here's a sample cover letter from the Immigration Wiki: http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php?title=I-130_Cover_Letter
5. The filing fee for form I-130 is $535.00 (As of December 23, 2016).

Edited May 12, 2017 by aleska

[ASMS 86]

13 hours ago, Chidera Akor said:

3. I don't have any evidence of a bonifide marriage with my husband because we are newly married so is it a must i have to put it in the filing or can I just leave it and explain to them that we are newly married

My wedding was in December, we sent our documents on April, and we sent a good amount of evidence of bona fide marriage. It doesn't matter if you are newly married.

 

Evidence of bona fide marriage is very very important, most for Nigeria, you are about to face one of the most difficult and tough embassies, so my advice is that you follow the list in the previous post and prepare more evidence of what the rest say they sent.

[begeorge 26]

Chidera,

 

Welcome on board. Just follow the instructions on the I-130 and you will be fine. Below is the list of things I sent in photocopies except for pictures:

• Marriage Certificate
• I-130 filled out and signed
• I-130a filled out but not signed (Spouse is overseas)
• Two sworn Affidavit for knowledge of marriage (sending copies)
• Ten pics (our wedding and some casual)
• Naturalization certificate
• US Passport Bio page
• Visa to Nigeria
• 10 WhatsApp chat pages (we talk on WhatsApp cause it way cheaper!)
• 10 WhatsApps calls (screenshot)
• Emails from work requesting leave to travel and permissions granted responses
• Travel ticket receipts
• Recent boarding tickets (to travel for our wedding)
• Travel ticket for honeymoon
• Two colored 2x2 passport photo

http://www.visajourney.com/content/examples/ this link is for Templates you can use. Just tweak it.

As for your address use your most current address so you can receive mails there.

 

Hope this helps...

Edited May 13, 2017 by begeorge
Added more stuff

[TBoneTX 48,034]

Duplicate threads with replies have been merged.

Edited May 13, 2017 by TBoneTX

[InQuisitve12016 0]

begeorge

Do you think it's going to be a problem with your spouse not signing the I-130A?

[begeorge 26]

2 hours ago, InQuisitve12016 said:

begeorge

Do you think it's going to be a problem with your spouse not signing the I-130A?

No it won't be a problem because the instruction indicates if spouse is overseas, then no need to sign the I-130A. Just follow the instructions and you will be fine...