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  • Trending Immigration Discussions
      Topic   Popularity Poster
    #1 Is it better to marry outside or in the US for bringing a spouse here?
    Selecting a Family Visa
    - popularity rating: 276 Ryanya
    #2 IR1 Category Question - CEAC Portal
    IR1/CR1 Visa Discussion
    - popularity rating: 240 blank avatar jiggaman97
    #3 I-130 / I-485 / I-765 Other names used - extra middle name on birth certificate
    - popularity rating: 168 Starscream17529
    #4 when is the I-134 needed
    K1 Visa Discussion
    - popularity rating: 114 blank avatar elle and kay
    #5 Types of questions asked for F11 Family based at the Montreal consulate
    Embassy Discussion
    - popularity rating: 68 blank avatar Oneboy

  • Community Spotlight
    PSA: If entering the USA 2 years after marriage, kindly remind the immigration officer of this
    When we last entered the US, our immigration officer said "Oh, hmm I wonder if I could go ahead and change you an IR-1."  The agent right next to him said "Yes, you can do that" and he acted surprised. His comments made it pretty clear he was going to erroneously issue us a CR-1 and he seemed to not even know he could change the visa status until his coworker advised him (THANK GOODNESS she overheard!).  I don't know how onerous the process is to correct such an oversight but I'm glad we didn't have to find out!
     
    Just wanted to pass this along in the hopes it saves someone from any problems with the wrong stamp being placed in the passport, as I've read about here before....  I would kindly remind the officer "We married >2 years ago.  We can enter with an IR-1 visa now right?"
    • 20 replies
    Traveled to Canada for 20 days after entering the U.S. on a K-1 visa (June 1–22). Seeking reentry under Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR).
    I entered the U.S. on a K-1 visa on June 1st and left for Canada on June 2nd, remaining here for 20 days. I am now attempting to return to the U.S. through Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) using Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR). My K-1 visa is expired, but my I-94 is still valid. Am I ok?
    • 31 replies
    Wrong USCIS application form filed by my lawyer!
    Hello, so my wife came in k-1 visa to USA and we got married and all. We filled for work permit and green card together but while doing that my lawyer filed for I-130 no idea why. Will that application make my process for work permit and green card slow? If so how do I withdrawal that application? My lawyer isn’t helpful at all. I need some help…
    • 22 replies
    Seeking advice for Thai/US couple - What US visa path to take?
    My gf and I live in Thailand but spend 2-4months in the US per year. Once/if we have children age 5+, the time split would become vice versa. We have no plans to live full-time in the United States in the next 5 years, but I visit my family and friends 2-3x per year for 2-3 weeks at a time. I would love it if she can join me for those trips and experience that part of my life. What options do we have -- US visa wise, maybe a tourist or fiance visa later? Other?
     
     
    • 77 replies
    Abandoned AOS and now regret it
    Please be nice, I know I made a mistake... But got my K1 approved and arrived in the US June 25, 2024 and applied for AOS February 25, 2025 -- then left the US (abandoned my AOS). Will I be banned for re-entry to the US -- even under a spouse visa?
    • 32 replies
    US Citizen with Foreign Fiancé: When and How to Get Married?
    I'm currently living and working in the United States. My fiancé currently lives in Japan. We have been dating for about 6 months, and we have met in person several times, but we are not yet married.
    My fiancé will be visiting me in the United States on a tourist visa some time in March or April and staying for about 3 months. I want to file for a fiance/spouse visa asap -- what's next?
    • 18 replies
  • Recent Immigration Discussions
    when is the I-134 needed
    11:25 pm yesterday

    elle and kay

    blank avatar

    Read 57 Times
    2 Replies



    this was probably asked a million times already, but is the I-134 required when the visa application is submitted or does it just need to be taken to the interview? Thanks!



     
    View Topic

    IR1 Category Question - CEAC Portal
    9:50 pm yesterday

    jiggaman97

    blank avatar

    Read 80 Times
    3 Replies



    I m the petitioner filing for my spouse (beneficiary) under the IR1 category and uploading documents to the CEAC portal.

    1. For the interview, which originals should the beneficiary bring (e.g., her passport and birth certificate) she doesn t need my original passport, birth cert, etc, correct?

    2. I was previously married and divorced do I need to upload my divorce decree to the CEAC portal? And would my spouse have to bring this original?

    Thank you.



     
    View Topic

    Is it better to marry outside or in the US for bringing a spouse here?
    7:38 pm yesterday

    Ryanya



    Read 92 Times
    3 Replies



    Your question made me think of one of my own; sorry if it is dumb (or in the wrong place) - I'm new to the process.
    Does it make much of a difference from a processing time perspective whether you marry and then come to the US, versus doing it the other way around?

    I know it's different paperwork (K-1 vs CR-1?), and it makes a difference on how things go later on (regarding adjusting status etc..). But if the goal is to start your lives together as soon as possible, then is one approach significantly better (mainly faster) than the other? My assumption would be to marry first, as you already know you want to spend your lives together, so why wait? But if that means a difference of months before you actually get to start that life, then maybe holding off on the ceremony makes sense.



     
    View Topic

    I-130 / I-485 / I-765 Other names used - extra middle name on birth certificate
    2:25 pm yesterday

    Starscream17529



    Read 84 Times
    2 Replies



    Hi there, H1B filing for green card through adjustment of status (I-130 / I-485 / I-765 for EAD) on basis of marriage to USC. Just looked at my birth certificate and forgot that my parents have an additional middle name on there, e.g., Jane "Mary Christine" Doe is on my BC. I have never formally changed my name, just omitted "Christine" when filling out forms, including my F1 paperwork, so all passports, drivers licenses have Jane "Mary" Doe as my full legal name. Do I need to include middle names "Mary Christine" on the "Other Names Used" section in my application, or is continuing to omit it fine?



     
    View Topic

    Types of questions asked for F11 Family based at the Montreal consulate
    11:43 am yesterday

    Oneboy

    blank avatar

    Read 68 Times
    1 Replies



    Hello, trying to find out the type of questions that will be asked for a family F11 candidate at the Montreal consulate please? Trying to get myself prepared. Thank you.



     
    View Topic

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      Hey cammar. We spoke back in 2023 I believe. I wanted to see if you have gotten your visa yet? We got ours issued 10/2023
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      @jorgesalazar818 I wanted to check in with you again and ask if you've received any news from NVC? You are the next person on my list who should be receiving an interview assignment. I'm sure you are worried about the government shutdown - like me - but I am thinking of you and your spouse. I hope you get news soon!
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      K1 visa holder but didn’t able to get married within 90 day timeframe because of differences. Later on we realized that we really love each other despite of the differences and wants to continue the marriage. Since my I-94 now is expired a week ago and still want to continue the marriage, what is the best thing to do now?
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      @jorgesalazar818 Welcome to fall. I hope you and yours are doing well. I wanted to check in with you to see if you have any news from the NVC? I keep all the people on my tracking list in my mind, and I send to you my best wishes. Keep me posted. 
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