liz&andrew

I thought to post some advice (and my story!) for non-Israelis who seek an Israeli police certificate as part of their VISA application. I had originally made this post in another thread, but it was buried within a seemingly-unrelated topic title.

My situation: I had lived in Israel as a student for approx. 14 months. I was applying for my CR-1 visa through the US Embassy in London... and was trying to get an Israeli police certificate from the Israeli embassy in London.

So... here's the full post:

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Wow... yes, and update here would be very valuable for those about to venture down the Israeli police certificate route! What a story I have!!!

So -- my fears turned out to be well founded. The Israeli police certificate was never received by the US Embassy here in London, nor have I seen/heard anything from anyone as to its whereabouts.

Some explanation: When you visit the Israeli embassy (at least in London, UK)... they ask 'why' you need the certificate... and they'll only ever allow for the certificate to be sent directly to the 'requesting authority', never to yourself. I pushed them hard on this point -- telling them I was concerned the certificate would get lost and I'd have no copy for my records -- and that my VISA depended on this (etc etc). They still refused to alter the delivery address to anything other than the US embassy here in London. The Israelis suggested it would take 6-8 weeks to arrive back in London. The Israeli embassy in London would receive it first... and they'd forward the certificate directly to the US embassy in London (with, hopefully, my case number on the front). I called the US embassy in London and confirmed they have the systems (supposedly) to file away this certificate until they receive the full package from the NVC.

The Israeli form I filled out... at their embassy, suggests that only 'foreign consulates' or 'adoption agencies' could ever possibly be requesting this certificate... and it didn't leave room for HR departments, or anything else like that (but, I must admit -- I didn't verbally request that either, so I can't be 100% sure they wouldn't allow that -- but I doubt it). I had told them, of course, it was for a US visa... so they insisted they would only to send it to an official US authority/embassy. I gave them the address for the US embassy here in London -- knowing that my case would eventually arrive there... for usage in my as-yet-unscheduled interview. Within my IV packet cover letter... (which is the bit that requires the police certs) I explained that the Israeli certificate was being sent directly to the US embassy in London, and I include a photo of the receipt of payment I had made to the Israeli embassy. I figured that would be solid enough for the IV & AOS packet to be approved... and passed through for my interview scheduling in London (which it was).

*please ignore the address in that attachment -- I subsequently changed it to the US embassy address in London.

A further complication/addition (which is perhaps unique to me): I'm not an Israeli citizen... so I don't have a "Teudat Zehut", or Israeli ID number. I only studied in Israel on a student VISA. I figured this would further place the process at risk... because when the Israeli police dept receives the request... they don't have a any record of me (probably more because I wasn't being tracked by the Shin Bet, more than anything!). However... because I had a wonderful, dedicated friend in Israel... I had this friend visit the local Israeli police dept., and request a short-form version to complement my IV packet in case the full-length one did get lost. I gave my friend a 'letter of authority' with a passport photocopy & my signature. She harassed the local police in Tel Aviv & J'lem... (on three different visit) who eventually conceded to her request and provided her with a short-form, hebrew only, copy which was basically 'empty' -- with my name on it. They initially & strongly refused though, suggesting that short-form copies can only be given to those who have a Teudat Zehut.

So... my IV packet was sent with both a translated short-form... and evidence of me applying for the long-form through the official route.

I had my interview... and asked: "So... Mr US Consular Official, did you ever receive the long-form certificate from the Israeli's ???".

Answer? No. They didn't. Perhaps it never got sent... or the US embassy lost it... I don't know. But they approved my application anyway... based upon either: my short-from copy OR the fact that I showed ample evidence that I had tried to get one. Who knows!

Hope that helps everyone who tries I probably just scared off anyone who reads this.... but it's true: of my whole USA visa process, getting an Israeli police certificate was by far the worst & most challenging part of my VISA application. Be prepared... and get one before you leave Israel, if possible.

Andrew.

Wow... yes, and update here would be very valuable for those about to venture down the Israeli police certificate route! What a story I have!!!

So -- my fears turned out to be well founded. The certificate was never received by the US Embassy here in London, nor have I seen/heard anything from anyone as to its whereabouts.

Some explanation: When you visit the Israeli embassy (at least in London, UK)... the ask 'why' you need the certificate... and they'll only ever allow for the certificate to be sent directly to the requesting authority, I pushed them on this point -- telling them I was concerned the certificate would get lost and I'd have no copy for my records. They still refused to alter the delivery address to anything other than the US embassy here in London. The Israelis suggested it would take 6-8 weeks to arrive back in London. The Israeli embassy would receive it first... and they would then forward it directly to the US embassy in London (with, hopefully, my case number on the front). I called the US embassy in London to confirm they have the systems (supposedly) to hold this certificate... until they receive the full package from the NVC.

The Israeli form I filled out... suggests that only 'foreign consulates' or 'adoption agencies' could ever possibly be requesting this certificate... and it didn't leave room for HR departments, or anything else like that (But, I must admit -- I didn't verbally request that either, so I can't be 100% sure they wouldn't allow that). I had told them, of course, it was for a US visa... so they insisted they would only to send it to an official US authority/embassy. I gave them the address for the US embassy here in London -- knowing that my case would eventually arrive there... for reference in my as-yet-unscheduled interview. Within my IV packet cover letter... (which is the bit that requires the police certs) I explained that the Israeli certificate was being sent directly to the US embassy in London, and I include a photo of the receipt of payment I had made to the Israeli embassy. I figured that would be solid enough for the IV & AOS packet to be approved... and passed through for my interview scheduling in London (which it was).

*please ignore the address in that attachment -- I subsequently changed it to the US embassy address in London.

A further complication/addition (which is perhaps unique to me): I'm not an Israeli citizen... so I don't have a "Teudat Zehut", or Israeli ID number. I only studied in Israel on a student VISA. I figured this would further place the process at risk... because when the Israel police receives the request... they don't have a any record of me (probably more because I wasn't being tracked by the Shin Bet, more than anything!). However... because I had a wonderful, dedicated friend in Israel... I had this friend visit the local Israeli police dept., and request a short-form version to complement my IV packet in case the full-length one did get lost. I gave her a 'letter of authority' with a passport photocopy & my signature. She harassed the local police in Tel Aviv & J'lem... (on three different visit) who eventually conceded to her request and provided her with a short-form, hebrew only, copy which was basically 'empty' -- with my name on it. They initially & strongly refused though, suggesting that short-form copies can only be given to those who have a Teudat Zehut.

So... my IV packet was sent with both a translated short-form... and evidence of me applying for the long-form through the official route.

I had my interview... and asked: "So... Mr US Consular Official, did you ever receive the long-form certificate from the Israeli's ???".

Answer? No. They didn't. Perhaps it never got sent... or the US embassy lost it... I don't know. But they approved my application anyway... based upon either: my short-from copy OR the fact that I showed ample evidence that I had tried to get one.

Hope that helps everyone who tries I probably just scared off anyone who reads this.... but it's true: of my whole USA visa process, getting an Israeli police certificate was by far the worst & most challenging part of my VISA application. Be prepared!

Andrew.

Thank you both for the replies.

I did call the NVC... but they insisted that the case number would be sufficient for the addressing.

I'm going to strenuously insist the Israeli embassy provide me with a copy, prior to forwarding to the NVC. If this works, everything will be fine, I'm sure.

If they don't... AND the NVC manage to loose the document, then I'll be stuck in this interview, I guess.

I still haven't managed to visit the Israeli embassy to apply for this certificate -- due to their restricted opening hours. Hopefully I can take time off work tomorrow.

I shall report back when useful... Regards, Andrew.

Hi everyone,

I'm the 'beneficiary'... from Australia originally, but have lived in both UK and Israel for more than 12 months. Currently living in London UK.

I'm gathering all the 'civil documents' needed for my DS-230 submission -- and I've applied for my UK & Australia police certificates, which will be sent directly to me. Fine.

However -- the Israeli embassy have said their police certificate insist on sending their police report direct to the intended recipient organisation. The Israeli embassy here in London has requested a 'name' of a person to which they can send the report. Eek. A named person at the NVC? Yeah right!

Has anyone had experience of this? I assume I should just give the Israeli embassy/police my NVC Case Number...(instead of a name), and have them send it to: Att: DR, 31 Rochester...etc, as listed here.

Agreed?

Is the NVC likely to loose this document?

Is there anything else I can do to ensure sure this document gets associated to my DS-230?

Will it be a problem to not have this document during the embassy interview in London?

Thanks everyone!

Andrew

Hi,

I am applying for a CR1 visa for my husband, who is Australian. Our case was moved from The USCIS to the NVC about 6 weeks ago. We paid both the affidavit of support fee and the visa application processing fee several weeks ago, and I assumed that the next step was to wait for the next packet of documents (which, according to my understanding is the I-864, the D-230 (pat I & II), and the Of-169 forms) to arrive by post to my home because I am the agent for this case. I have yet to receive any of these documents. Should I thus print out the online version of these three forms instead and send it via post? Do I send in all of these forms simultaneously? Or is it more important to send in the I-864 first?

2) Regarding the Affadavit of Support, I am petitioner for my husband. I have not made 125% of the poverty line for the past three years, but he has savings and income of well above that amount. Can his assets/income be used towards my worth regarding the Affadavit of support? Or alternatively can he be a sponsor even though he himself is the Principal Applicant? Or do I have to find another sponsor who is an American citizen?

Thank you for your help.

Liz & Andrew

Hi!

We are ready to send of our I-130 package for the CR1 visa for my husband, but I'm not sure what the acceptable methods of payments are for the $420 fee if we are not in the United States. It is my understanding that in the UK they don't have money orders, and I don't have any of my personal checks from the States here with me. Is it possible to simply write a personal check from a bank here in the UK (HSBC)? Can anyone who's done this before help us out?

(Just to let you know, I am aware of the direct consular option, but that won't work for us because I am still here on a tourist visa.)

Thank you so much,

Liz and Andrew

wow -- thanks for all the replies! this community really is wonderful! We posted our questions just before going to sleep, and had such great news when we awoke! (i.e. YAY! we can get married!!)

So, to comment on the three areas:

1) Yes, we both intend to return to London after Christmas. Andrew will be entering into the US on his still valid 'Visa Waiver Program'. If the CBP officer asks the purpose of his journey, I assume it's best for him to state that he's coming to the US for both holidays and marriage -- but doesn't intend to stay. He'll be sure to have his tenancy and employment documents to prove his need to return.

2) Okay - thanks. Sounds like we'll just stick with the IR1/CR1 process.

3) Yes, my partner does have over $55,000 in savings... so it would be helpful if that avoids us requesting one of my relatives to sponsor. I'll do some more reading around the PovertyLine information and see if that helps me.

Oh -- and to answer the question around DCF: I'm only in London on tourist VISAs, so I believe that negates my ability to use the DCF process. The DCF summary page here says permanent residence abroad must be legally established for a period of six months. I would have thought tourist visas don't qualify for 'permanent' residence... but perhaps I should ask more about that within the DCF forum.

Again -- thanks to everyone for their replies... especially Amy&Nick.

Regards, Liz.

Argh! this all seems so inordinately challenging -- so I thought just to ask here!

I, Liz, am a U.S. citizen and my fiancee has only Australian citizenship (and has never held U.S. visas either). We recently got engaged.

Our plan is as follows: We will come to the U.S. in late December with the intention of getting married just before Christmas. We have not yet applied for a fiance visa, but thought instead to apply for either the IR1/CR1 or K3 spousal visa.

We had planned to then return to the UK, and apply while living in London. We'd continue living in London (or do travel), while waiting for the U.S visa (because it's my understanding that my partner can't visit the States during the K3 process).

I've got three main questions:

1) Is it okay that we come in to the States this December and get married? Or is there paperwork that we need to fill out in order to get 'permission' to do that? (My partner, Andrew, is staying in the USA for only two weeks... and I'll stay for maybe 3/4 weeks before returning to London). The 'compare' page on visa journey states for both IR1/CR1 & K3: "The couple may have previously been married either outside or within the US (the location does not matter as long as the marriage was officially recognized in the location in which it occurred)." -- but I've read that entering the US with the 'intention' to marry can result in penalties. Is that true?

2) For our situation...it seems the main difference between the K3 & IR1/CR1 is that: a) my partner can enter the USA freely during the K3 process, but will have to wait an extra 90 days to work because of the EAD process; while (b) the IRC1/CR1 stops him from entering the USA "usually" during the process... but he can skip the 90 day EAD process. Have people experienced another main difference between these two VISAs? if so, what would they recommend? And what does "usually" mean? What are the exceptions?

3) It is my understanding that I have to 'sponsor' my fiance. I have not worked in the States for the past four years (I was traveling, then in graduate school in Israel, and was then battling cancer) and do not have a great deal of savings. What are my options here? How should I proceed? If my partner has a large income/savings, doesn't that help because once we're married our finances would be considered 'together'? (I can understand the IR1/CR1 process assessing income separately)

If anyone has answers for us, we would be most grateful.

Liz (& Andrew)