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Trending Immigration DiscussionsTopic Popularity Poster #1 N-400 and selective service question
Citizenship Discussion- Matt19019
#2 NVC asking for W-2/1099 even though Joint Sponsor is self-employed
IR1/CR1 Visa Discussion- Reynal2m
#3 new rules for dual citizens?
Citizenship Discussion- steeeeve
#4 RFE - 15 days without response from NVC
NVC Discussion- Danielle M
#5 Interview yesterday. Not so good with the first 10 minutes. But went well. - veryniceguy
Community SpotlightPSA: If entering the USA 2 years after marriage, kindly remind the immigration officer of this
spicynujac posted a topic in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures,
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).
Dovahkiinali0605 posted a topic in K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures,
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!
narayan333 posted a topic in K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports,
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?
PeachyTocker posted a topic in K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures,
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?
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- 77 replies
Abandoned AOS and now regret it
Mariammaria posted a topic in Adjustment of Status Case Filing and Progress Reports,
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?
gandalf1989 posted a topic in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures,
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 DiscussionsJoint bank account alternative options ? for proof 2:25 pm today
Purple_Paladin
Read 17 Times
1 RepliesI hope it's ok to create a new post for this as it's a different subject that doesn't really fall under the first.
So, we did not get a joint bank account yet. My husband isn't allowed to work yet, so we were waiting until he was allowed. Also, it was just easier since it took a while for the banks to hash out the situation with the funds for some reason. (French banks seem to be a nightmare, or maybe just his.)
In any case, he finally has his funds transferred and he has his own account. To help pay bills, he just transfers money to me and I pay them. We were going to split it up once he had a job, but that's what we've been doing for now.
Is his bank account mailed to our home enough proof that he's living here with me as a couple? We do have a joint phone bill now, he and my step-daughter are on my plan and they send me the funds to pay, I can print out and include a copy of the bill.
They are also on my health insurance plan now, I can print something with that? Or just photocopy the cards?
In addition to this I have photos of us of course, our wedding, us with the family, us at trivia night with my brother, etc...
Would these work?
TIA!
Waiver 601 if work permit is issued 1:33 pm today
Maya1234
Read 40 Times
4 RepliesHello,
I am trying to help a friend! Is there any need to apply for 601 waiver if she already has a work permit valid given by Biden admin in 2024? There is gaps in her history to keep up with a legal status !
Thanks !
Interview yesterday. Not so good with the first 10 minutes. But went well. 12:35 pm today
veryniceguy
Read 71 Times
7 RepliesHad my interview for I-130/I-485 yesterday. I went in with my husband who is a naturalized USC. We are both married in a heterosexual relationship.
We live in Vegas. I entered as tourist prior filing AOS in January 2025. Prior to that, I have been here in the US to visit my then fiance and got married in November 2025. Went back home to Brazil due to work.
Decided to visit again in January 29, 2025, to spend time and celebrate Valentine's day. But due to emotional distress my husband is having due to work, he asked if I can stay longer and decide when I can go back home (e.g. 3 months). By late March, we had the converstation why not stay for good since it is an option and file AOS. We filed on April 29, 2025.
Receipt notices came in June 2025, despite filing the I-130 online, and the rest by mail. EAD was returned due to old form used, and then refiled. Notice of receipt then issued. Fast track, biometrics were scheduled - twice. Status updated to biomertics and interview complete (where we assumed that interview was waived). However, another status update requiring us to do interview.
Day of interview came. It was yesterday, 10/8/2025. While waiting for our names to be called, some people were already been called. We were so happy seeing the demeanor of the USCIS officers who are calling the ones who are om their turn. They smiled and very enthusiastic when the called their names. However, everything changed, anxiety creeped in and changed from 3 to 10, when we were called. The officer did not smile, very serious, and he is old (probably in his early 60s). Also to take note, as of this time, EAD and AP are still pending!
After me doing fingerprint verifications, and stated our names and dates of birth, the torture began. He asked my husband on when he did close his house here in Vegas. It was 3 years ago, and for most of us, remembering the dates is one of the most difficult thing to do, especially the specific day. This is even validated by a neuroligist, one of my friends in Brazil, whom I asked if this is normal. My husband states "it was around January 2023, maybe 22, 24, or 26". The officer became annoyed and stated "this is not even a hard question. very simple. what day?". Knowing my husband, he has the tendency to be annoyed easily as well, but he know for sure that we can't do anything but kiss-### at this moment. My husband then replied "to be honest sir, it is really hard to remember the specific day, because during closing, I remember it was set for January 22 and issues arised". Then the officer again, insisted "again, this is a very simple question that you just have to answer". Then my husband said, "Honestly sir, I don't remember and I do really need to give you a day, I will go for the 26th. I can retrieve my house closing paperwork later and submit it as evidence if it's needed". Then the officer stopped there.
I believe that this is just one of their tactics to get into your nerves so they can get real answers moving forward. My husband has anxiety disorder and he flusters easily in a way that he over story tells- thinking it's best to give the rationale in the context so there will be no more follow-up questions. Again, the officer gets annoyed, but this time, very mild, and just redirected my husband to answer specifics. The interview went on this sequence prior conclusion: fingerprint, fingerprint to verify, asking for both IDs, asking my husband's SSN, asking me if I have SSN, verified if my husband had prior petitions filed for a family member, when did I arrive here in the US, asking why became gay after failed heterosexual marriage (yes! he asked the process as to why we became gay and ended up together) for each of us, asked us a summary of the timeline from the moment we met to our wedding, asking how do we do our groceries. The officer did not ask about specific dates (except for our birthdays). He focused on current marriage. He then asked if we have additional evidence/documents we want to submit that is not yet submitted online- so we provided most recent paystubs, joint bank account statements. We forgot to print the credit card statement to show our daily transactions which the officer asked. At this point, the officer is no longer intimidating and very clear on explaining what to expect next after the interview. My husband then ask if he can access his banking app and upload the credit card statement online right there, in there. But the officer said said "no need" in a very nice way- yes! that's correct! In a very nice way, casual approach with head and hand gestures (casual, nice, friendly- however you will call it). He explained that the case will be reviewed further, gave us the white paper indicating further review is needed but no documents needed at this time. He then asked if we have any questions for him. My husband asked "worse case scenario sir, if this case will not get approved, does my husband need to leave the US immediately?" Then the officer responded, again in a very nice/friendly way, "that will also be included on the letter that will be sent out". After the interview, he escorted us to the lobby and we thanked him.
From the moment leaving the FO, we were so quiet. We were both reflecting if we did well in the interview. Both of us acknowledging the following: the officer is rude and strict, he is just doing his job, we are honest and we are legit, worse case scenario I am going back to Brazil and my husband will follow and settle there, etc. Even after arriving home, we were so quiet, giving each other's space to "grieve" in a way. From time to time, we talk casually about the interview. A lot of issues that we are overthinking: my husband does not speak portuguese, how can he find a job in Brazil, hopefully my husband gets approved to work remotely even in Brazil, strategize how to do about home mortgage and car payments if he needs to go Brazil, etc.
Here comes today, 10/9/2025 at 8:30am, an email from status update received for the I-130. We are just so happy that the petition is now APPROVED! But we are still not out of the woods yet as the AOS is still pending, as well as the EAD and AP. I will update this post, hopefully very soon.
Navigating I-485 Filing (EB-2 NIW), O-3 to L-1B Change of Status 10:00 am today
asiv_visa
Read 35 Times
1 RepliesHello everyone,
I'm hoping to get some insights and advice on my current immigration situation, which has a few moving parts.
Here's a summary of where my spouse and I are at:
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I-140 Approved: We have an approved I-140 petition under the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) category, with a priority date of November 2023. We initially filed this from Canada and were set for consular processing.
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Current Status in the US: We recently moved to the U.S. My spouse is on an O-1A visa, and I am on an O-3 visa. I am currently on parental leave.
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Need to Work: As I am on an O-3 visa, I am not authorized to work. My employer is in the process of filing an L-1B petition for me so I can resume working in the United States.
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Priority Date is Current: As of this month, our I-140 priority date is current, which means we are now eligible to file for Adjustment of Status (AOS) using Form I-485.
This brings me to a few questions about the best way to proceed.
My Questions:
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L-1B or I-485 First? What is the most strategic order of operations here?
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Should I wait for my L-1B application to be approved before we file our I-485 applications? My main goal is to be able to return to work as soon as possible, and my understanding is that the L-1B would allow me to do that upon approval.
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Alternatively, should we file the I-485 now that our priority date is current? If we do this, I know I would also need to file for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and I'm unsure of the current processing times for that. I've also been told that I may not be able to apply for the L-1B visa if I have a pending I-485 application.
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Waiting Period for AOS after L-1B Approval? If I do get the L-1B visa first, is there any required waiting period before I can submit the I-485 application? I have heard about a "90-day rule," but I'm not sure if that applies in my situation since we already have an approved I-140.
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Port of Entry for Canadians: As a Canadian citizen, can I process my L-1B paperwork at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Deferred Inspection Site within the U.S., rather than having to go to a land border or airport?
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Anything I'm Missing? Given the complexities of our situation, I want to make sure I'm not overlooking any other important considerations. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Still At NVC 8:22 am today
Linacb
Read 77 Times
2 RepliesWaiting for our K1 Visa to move to In Transit to the Naples Italy US consulate. It s been 7 weeks and we are still at NVC. It seems we keep missing the shipping windows. Is this normal? Is there a backlog at Naples? Any insight appreciated. Thank you. We were at NVC from Sept 11.