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  • Trending Immigration Discussions
      Topic   Popularity Poster
    #1 Name change dilemma: legal change vs. waiting for arrival in US
    IR1/CR1 Visa Discussion
    - popularity rating: 20020 blank avatar 2543-4092
    #2 What after NOA2
    IR1/CR1 Visa Discussion
    - popularity rating: 9230 blank avatar Nena Lis
    #3 Question about last names on paperwork/documents
    IR1/CR1 Visa Discussion
    - popularity rating: 3105 blank avatar oldgreg
    #4 Cover sheet RFE
    IR1/CR1 Visa Discussion
    new popularity rating: 2900 Sunny3

  • 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?"
    • 19 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?
    • 29 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…
    • 20 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
    Cover sheet RFE
    7:23 pm today

    Sunny3



    Read 290 Times
    10 Replies



    We got RFE due forgetting the 130a (please don't judge us ) So we need to return the form with the cover sheet letter, the question: which item do we need to select?

    A new G-28?

    Additional forms?

    Additional fees

    Other?

    We also read that we must send it back to USCIS by mail, did you submited yours by mail as well? Thanks for your answers

    Screenshot_20250929_184407_WhatsApp.jpg



     
    View Topic

    Question about last names on paperwork/documents
    6:40 pm today

    oldgreg

    blank avatar

    Read 345 Times
    9 Replies



    Looking for some assistance or guidance. My wife arrived to the US on her IR-1 visa last week. We filed all the paperwork with her taking my last name. Her visa in her passport has her maiden name. Today we got her social security card and it has her maiden name. Any idea of the green card will come with her maiden name or my last name?

    In the Latin American culture they generally don't change last names and we were not going to do it but we were advised to do it to make things easier.

    If the green card will have her maiden name, I am fine with sticking with her maiden name. Have any of you dealt with this?



     
    View Topic

    What after NOA2
    1:13 pm today

    Nena Lis

    blank avatar

    Read 923 Times
    10 Replies



    Hi guys, I am trying to plan ahead and begin to get my next package together.
    We filed and received our NOA 1 and now waiting on NOA2. Could someone please guide me on what documents should I begin to gather or what forms will I be needing for the NVC?
    Pls correct me if I am wrong. After USCIS approves the case, they send it to NVC right?
    do I send anything to NVC? Or when am I required to send documents again?



     
    View Topic

    Name change dilemma: legal change vs. waiting for arrival in US
    1:56 am today

    2543-4092

    blank avatar

    Read 1430 Times
    14 Replies



    Hi everyone,

    I m from Canada and got married in New York State. When we applied for the marriage license, I had the option to change both my surname and middle name. I chose to take my husband s last name and move my maiden name to a second middle name. So I went from Sarah Jane Doe to Sarah Jane Doe Smith.

    All of our I-130 paperwork is under that name. I thought I d just update my documents once I got home while we wait on consular processing, but it turns out in my province you can only assume a new last name after marriage. To change a middle name, you need a full legal name change, which also alters your birth certificate to show the new name as if it were your birth name. That feels odd to me, since I wasn t born with my husband s last name, and I'm not sure if it would cause any problems. You do get a certificate of name change, but that would be the only record of my actual birth name.

    If I don t go through with a legal name change in Canada, all my ID will stay in my maiden name (unless I assume only the last name, which still won't match our marriage certificate). My lawyer said I might be able to adjust my name at the consulate interview, but usually they only allow last name changes. Now I m not sure if I should try to change it in the US after I get my green card, just do the legal name change in Canada, or if there is any other option available. The legal name change process takes quite a while in my province, so I need to make a decision sooner rather than later.

    I feel pretty overwhelmed and honestly a bit foolish. Has anyone else dealt with something like this? I d really love to go by Sarah Jane Doe Smith, but I m not sure what the smartest path forward is, or if I should just go ahead and do the legal name change.

    Appreciate any advice or words of wisdom!



     
    View Topic

    K1 Visa Interview?
    1:07 am today

    Eric Perales



    Read 530 Times
    2 Replies



    K1 Visa Lagos.

    Our K1 Visa Document Review in Lagos is on October 14, 2025.

    When do the actual Interview appointment occur after that?



     
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