Wunderali

Translate everything.

If you only translate the core part, then it is not a true and accurate translation of the foreign document - it's only a partial and incomplete translation.

What's the core part???? Another person may define it differently from you. This is why you need to translation every thing. It doesn't have to be word for word, but it must convey the entire meaning.

Understood. Thanks.

Whomever is competent in English and the foreign language(s) can do the translation. The translator can be your spouse. The translator must include a certification that he/she is competent to do the translation.

Read this from USCIS on translations; http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextchannel=fe529c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextoid=ff053d146a7ee010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD

Please submit certified translations for all foreign language documents. The translator must certify that s/he is competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.

The certification format should include the certifier's name, signature, address, and date of certification. A suggested format is:

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________

Date Typed Name

Address

Thanks for your swift reply. I saw that little link, but assumed it had to be someone certified as a translator. My next question to you is this: will we have to translate the full form (every word not in English) or just the core part that says "not on record?" Thanks for your help. Truly appreciated. They were very vague at the consulate even though I asked where I could get it done.

Wishing you all the best in this journey!!! A couple of questions, what documentation did you submit with the packkage? Did you include a letter from the other birth parent of the minor-child that stated the child has thier permission to move here to the US? Do you have a sample , as I am trying to put one together and would love to know what information others have included.

Also, did you include proof of relationship between your child and thier step-parent with the 130? If you did, what kinds of items did you include?

Hello, butting in here. My process was a bit different from yours as we went DCF for my husband and stepson's I-visas. But we as far as consent from the other parent, we just put a basic form together saying I, ____(the other parent), gives permission for____(the child) to move to the USA with _________ (you and other parent) You can make it more official if you want to, but the important thing is that it is notorized by the police (or perhaps a notary public, depending on the country)

Hope that helps.

Hello

We were approved for Visas at the London Consulate (DCF) but still have to send in translations of foreign police certificates. They insisted we still needed to send in official translations of the two documents for our records, even though the clerk told us he recognized they were 'all clear.' This was an oversight by me, I know, but now I am at a loss as to how to get them translated. I have queried for the service online and have gotten quoted 103-150 pounds (for two certificates) based on the number of words to translate. This seems really high. Has anyone else had to have documents translate? Is it necessary to have the whole thing done or just part of it?

Many thanks for your advice.

Allison

Ah! I found something on the DCF Wiki Page, as follows:

The Immigrant Visa Branch of the Embassy send you a package of information known as Packet 3. Included in packet 3 is a cover letter with your case number on it (starting with the letters LND) a checklist, the DS-230 part 1, and information about booking your medical.

You must fill out the DS-230 part 1 and return it to the embassy. You must also tick off the checklist sign it and return it to the embassy. You don't have to send the checklist and the DS-230 part 1 together, but you should note that your interview will not be scheduled until your checklist is returned.

Anyone??? No answers yet...guess I'll have to give them a call.

Hello again!

I want to send off my DS-230 form today, as we finally have all our paperwork together. A few weeks ago, I sent in the DS-230 forms for my husband and stepson. At first, it seemed the instructions on the Consulate web page said to send that in first, but on re-reading it now, I am confused. Perhaps they are meant to be sent together? Can someone set me straight on this? Should I resend the DS-230 forms together today or assume they have received them and will file them together later?

Many thanks for your prompt replies.

Allison

Thanks for that advice. I appreciate your taking the time. Just to clarify, did you send in both parts of the DS-230, leaving the second part unsigned? Or did you just mail Part 1 and bring the other with you to the interview?

Good advice on the signing, too. My stepson is 10.

Thanks again,

Allison

I just got a CASE COMPLETE at NVC so I will tell you my own experience. I am the beneficiary and I sent to the US 3 DS-230 (one for me plus two for my children). I filled out parts I and II (complete DS-230) but I signed just part I, which is what you have to do. Now just a detail, I signed on behalf of the children and put after my signature (MOTHER OF XXXXXX), but they are minors (8 and 5yo).

And I already have their biological father consent to relocate them permanently to America, but I didn't mail along in their IV packets and NVC didn't ask for that. But that would be something to look up at London Consulate or maybe take it to the interview. Good luck!

Hello there. I hope someone can help me.

I am ready to send in my husband and stepson's DS-230 documents, and I have a question or two.

The online Consulate instructions tell me to fill out Part 1, so what do I do with Part 2? Do I send it in (unsigned) or bring it to the final interview?

Also, my stepson's mother is sending a letter of consent. Do I send a copy of this in with the DS-230? I don't see instructions for sending in extra documents, but I seem to remember reading that it is necessary at this point.

Thanks in advance,

Allison

Thanks for all your replies everyone. I really appreciate it.

I am preparing the I-130 package for both my husband and stepson. I will be bundling the required documents separately but sending them in the same envelope with a note explaining I'd like them to processed at the same time. I understand that I can send photocopies of most of the documents at this stage, but when it asks for the divorce decree, do I have to send the original certified copy or will a photocopy work for that too? (The instructions say "copy" but I don't know if that means photocopy or not.) If I send the original copy in with my husband's form, will a photocopy work for my stepson, or vise versa?

I hope this question isn't too confusing. I'm sure there is a simple answer.

Thanks in advance.

Please download and carefully study the instructions for the I-130. It will tell you which supporting documents are needed for spouse and which are needed for a step child. Careful study of the actual instructions is critical to your ultimate success. Without doing so, you'll never know WHAT you don't know.

Yes, good point! Thanks for the advice. I have been reading the instructions, but I'm sure I'm not finished asking questions.

You file separate I-130 for each person. Yes, please include all the I-130 requirement together - there is no next round for I-130.

The next round is a process at National Visa Center, after your I-130 petitions are approved. At NVC, you will submit I-864 (affidavit of support) and DS-230 (Actual Visa application).

Thanks for simplifying that. I am still wading through all the details before filing the petiton. I do appreciate your response.

I 130 page Yep, got to file for each beneficiary. Listed under note on the top of first paragraph. Best of luck and you came to the right place for help. There will always be someone able and willing.

Bob

Great, thank you! I wonder if you can answer this question as well: Do I need to send in G-325A forms at this time or wait for the next round?

Thanks again for your swift reply.

Hello

I am a US citizen filling out the I-130 for my husband. But I need to know if I should be filling out a separate form (with separate fees) for his young son or if I just list him as a dependant at this time. The form does ask to list our children. I have looked through the forums on here, and I am getting different information. We live in London and will be filing DCF.

Thank you!

ok guys , Ive been with my wife almost 6 years, we have been married for 1 year and 6 months and after all the years of confusion of which visa to get and how it works, I finally have been approved, I have my visa and Im flying off to be with my wife on Monday. Let me tell you the feeling is amazing.

For all you people who are still going through the process or starting it, never ever give up keep trying no matter how long it takes because it is so worth it in the end, Whether your trying to move somewhere for love, work, or any other reason, Dont give up on your dreams.

That's awesome! Congratulations!

I'm in a similar situation (US citizen living in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain for the past 3 1/2 years with my husband, no kids though). Have you been filing your taxes with the IRS these past 5 years? That was the only thing that took me by surprise...

Hi there! Nice to meet you. I will be watching to see how your story unfolds too, as it looks like you are ahead of me in the game. I have filed a few of the past years in the USA because I made a tiny residual income there, but last year I didn't...guess I need to get on that, huh? Also, I don't think I added my UK earnings to those as I didn't realize I was supposed to. I was self employed here and have filed UK taxes. Will be curious to know what you find out. In my situation, I am pretty sure I will have to get my parents to sign as co-sponsers, but I suppose I'll still have to show tax returns?

Keep me posted as to what you find out. I wish I could help you more.

Also..I don't remember it being very complicated when I applied for my spouse visa five years ago...do you? Maybe because its broken down every few years? However, I know the entire process was a lot more expensive!

All the best!

On August 15th Embassies stopped processing I-130s unless they have a USCIS field office. London has a USCIS field office. So nothing's changed. Or rather, it seems the only thing that's changed is that they seem to be saying you can choose where to file; ie even if you're a longterm resident of the UK you can now chose to file via Chicago.

Processing times vary. You may even apply a few days after someone else and have completely different wait times. My impression is that DCF is generally quicker, so I would go that route as it is available to you. But that is no guarantee that you won't end up with some random delay whilst your friend who applied via the US on the same day is approved in a record time.

It also makes sense to avoid having to mail everything across the Atlantic, so that's another positive of DCF.

Thanks so much. I really appreciate your quick reply.

Hello, I am new to the forum and might as well jump in!

I am an American citizen with Leave to Remain in the UK (I have lived here 5 years) I would like to start the process of bringing my British husband and our kids back to the US. I understand that I need to start by sending in the I-130 petition, but what I am confused about is whether I can apply for DCF in London or if I need to apply for IR1 via the Chicago Lockbox. I see that things have changed in August 2011 for the London DCF, but the official website still doesn't make it clear whether this means I can still apply there or not.

Also, I'd like to know if you think the processing times would vary much. The chart given on this site says DCF takes 3 months, but by the stories I've read so far, that seems highly optimistic.

Thanks so much for your help.