Serilei

I am looking to DCF In Moscow to petition for my wife, and which I gather I need to file a CR-1. Since this is a more refined topic, I am having trouble finding which specific documents are needed, as even the US site in Moscow has no answers for me, it seems a bit outdated. I had tried calling, but someone had directed me into the email, or an appointment.

I am a US citizen, and I have resided in Russia for more than a year, no residency permit though, and I hope this doesnt affect anything.

I found information on how to apply, and interview and stuff, but no information on documents required.

We had planned on me going back to the US to file USCIS, which I had everything planned out, documents and all, but now that we decided to DCF, I do not know what changes, what documents are different that I need.

If anyone has been through this, please feel free to share your information, I would be most appreciative.

Click on the word "Guides" at the top of any page here. The only thing you need to know about K3 is that it is no longer a viable option. Study the CR1 guide and the I-130 instructions you can download from the USCIS website. After you study, we're here for remaining questions. The Guides and instructions have been created to avoid the need to spoon feed each new member. This is a "do it yourself" site, with emphasis on DO and SELF.

Well I now understand that a K3 is no longer liable and a CR1 is the option, I wouldve never found that information if you hadnt told me.

Ok so from what I understand, I fill out the entire I130 package and send it to the USCIS Lockbox location. The receive a NOA that they are processing. When approved I will receive another NOA . Then they forward it to the NVC.

Few weeks later after last NOA. NVC will send the wife (in Russia) a packet of forms

Then on my side I fill out the I864, with Tax returns, with financial or bank statement records.

And since I will need a joint sponsor, he will need to fill out I864, 3 years of tax returns, and bank or financial records.

** it says that the forms can be sent to NVC or consulate abroad (I assume they mean Russia, but I guess NVC in states is better option for me)

It also said for pre interview items she will need all that i864 information, will the NVC send what me and my cosponsor send to them -- to her address? Or do we need to resend a whole new packet with our information back to her house? It isnt specified in the guide.

And it says she needs to gather these pre interview items and send them to the NVC then the interview is scheduled.

OF169

OF230 (1 and 2)

I864 and such related documents (from me and co sponsor)

Copy of Passport information

Original Birth Certificate

Marriage Certificate

Police Report.

Then it says she will need to bring (some if not all) these documents to the interview. Does the NVC send them back, or what is the deal on that. Not specified either. Or is it she sends OF forms and holds onto the other documents? I am confused. It is said she needs original documents for NVC and Interview.. or did I misread that?

Also an interview appointment sheet is listed here, where does she get this from? Or is it in the original package she got from NVC the first time?

It also says to bring documents to prove strong ties. We have tons of emails, passport stamps from me to show Ive been in Russia for over a year, wedding photos, new years photos, facebook conversations, text messages, phone call logs in phones, and other stuff. Can you specify anything you may feel would be important?

Also being she is in Russia, I am not sure if she needs stuff translated into English for her interview in Russia, or if her original documents are fine?

And isnt she supposed to file anything anywhere? Something about Moscow or some sort? I am confused on that as well..

Oh and also it says for person house hold income poverty, for 2 people is like $18,325 but he lives by himself, so does he still need that 18k limit or less? The pdf doesnt say, it only starts at 2

I appreciate the help so far.

Ok everyone I am back, this is the thread that I want to make notes on, take a start, begin my journey, and document everything that goes through, and it will help me keep all my information together. So I will start.

I know, I should use the search function more often, as I am sure it is detailed somewhere all my information, but everywhere I go, I get this info, missing that information, finding this, not finding that, and after a while, I get confused and worried I won't find all the information. And what makes it hard is I need detailed information that Google nor any other place, even the .Gov site wont supply me. So I have come here to you welcoming people, who in the goodness of your heart help us in need.

I know there are things I am missing, and lots of unknown information to me, so please fill me in.

So here we go. I have a list of things needed, I will try to color coat things to make this easier.

Documents I need

1. Payment to the USCIS

Does anyone know how much it costs?

2. Form I-130

I understand I must fill this out, what is this I-129 I hear about and if they accept the 130 before 129 they close one of them and convert to a cr1 I think?

3. Copy of the Birth certificate for the US Citizen (front and back) or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport.

Understood

4. A copy of your marriage certificate

Understood

5.If either you or your spouse were previously married, submit copies of documents showing that all prior marriages were legally terminated.

I have those files

6. G-325A filled out by the US Citizen signed and dated.

What is this for exactly?

7. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the US Citizen. Write the full name of the US citizen on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325A.

Understood

What else do I need??

Documents the wife needs

1. G-325A filled out by the foreign spouse signed and dated.

2. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the foreign spouse. Write the full name of the foreign Spouse on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325A.

3. Medical Tests?

What else does she need?

1. Evidence of a bonafide marriage

--- Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship (Each affidavit must contain the full nameand address, date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner ofbeneficiary, if any, and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage)

The only thing we have for us. Friends just stating they saw our marriage? We have videos too.

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Ok onto other things. Can anyone give me a list of all documents I need in my packet and everything she needs in her packet. And also I need dates of when I should apply, then when she should apply, or who should apply first, and when we apply who gets what back, when do you go for the interview, what to bring what to say.

I need some details here This is my one chance to get it perfect.

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Onto some details. I am in Russia right now, as my wife is Russian, Ive been here since December 28th 2010, and we've been married since March 3rd 2011, coming close to a year. The only time Ive left Russia was to go to Finland for a new private Visa every 3 months, other wise I have lived here in Russia.

Co Sponsor

When I lived back home in the States, I worked with a boss of mine, we both quit our jobs. He has a new job, and he is trying to get me on with him. He has a place of his own and wants me to come live with him, he is my co sponsor, he makes over 18,000 a year (minimum line yes?)and is doing great with his life, so again he offered to co sponsor me. I need to give him information on what he needs to apply or write out for co sponsoring.

All I know of is i-864and 3 years of tax papers but I am sure there are tons more documents needed, and this is where google nor any site gives me full detailed information, much less if he needs to send it off, do I take it and send it to my wife or what? I am highly confused. So any information is helpful. This is super important for me, as it will be very vital to our process.

Also should I go home first and get my job and place set up before we apply, or during the application? Because while I was waiting for the ok for my job back home, we are thinking of applying while I am waiting..

And do they interview me back in the US or just her only in Russia? And what should she bring..? Like pictures and such things?

I have a question. Since Ive been looking for a sponsor to help me get my wife from Russia to the US, I have finally, maybe found some luck, but I need some information.

A friend of mine said he would help, but he is an independent contractor, and files 1099 forms for tax returns every year. He makes over the 18k limit, and he wants to help. Even though he makes under the table cash with no wages and such to account for, will he still be acceptable as a sponsor?

I have a question, is a 1099 acceptable for a sponsor? I have a friend who would sponsor us, he works as an independent contractor, and makes over 18k a year, but it isnt a monthly income, it varies up and down.. but still makes the money required

Filing in Moscow!

Well as we both know it will help with the job process, it is hard to find a job in a short amount of time making over 18k a year! Even if my job history is so-so and I am a manager/representative of foreign relations with English speaking countries, not sure how well that will go over in the US.

But should I go back and get a job after we file the I-130?! Before the interview?! After the interview?! When?! I have help getting started back home, I'll fly with about 5 grand, get a vehicle on downpayment and stay with my room and hold myself off till I get a job. But I need to know the best time to prove to them that I am putting forth effort!

I am trying my best to hold on to this job right now, because it is a really great job. I just need a plan date to let it go.

Hello all, my name is Jason, and I am here to receive some help from you kind generous people!

I am more or less looking for information on the whole visa situation.

I am a US citizen, and I am married and living in Russia. Tomorrow makes 1 whole year I've been here and January makes 10 months we've been married.

I have the general idea of the information needed for the filing such as: Cover letter, I-130 forms, Birth Certificates and passport, marriage certificate, g-325a, photos, and I think bonafide marriage.

I am curious to know if any Russians are going through this process or have gone through it already and succeeded or failed etc.

I am looking for information on what to expect, what to do at the interviews, what to say. I've also been told sometimes the (whoever grants you and interviews you) doesn't care how much money you make, or something of that matter, they just want to interview you and get you out.

But if in any case since I work here in Russia, my money saved nor income won't matter when we go to the interview right?! We would have a place to stay and able to go get a vehicle and then search for a job etc.. But I am not sure if that would work for them, and I don't know what to do about a petitioner who makes over 18,000/year who can help us..

Is there a charity site to those who wouldnt mind helping?! All we would need is their information, just for visa requirement purposes. We don't need their money or hospitality, not in a mean way, but you know what I mean, as we would be set with money and a place to stay and such with no problem, mainly my old apartment with my roommate who I've known for 14 years. And I should have no problem going back home and finding a decent job, but it's not enough to meet 18k a year, and even if the roommate moved, which he would t I can hold that apartment up by myself with people living for free as I've done before.

So it is just finding someone who will lend a hand without pulling a cent out of their Pockets, and I am not sure where to start.

Also I hope I have the right place to Apply for the (if I am correct) the K3 visa or is it B3?!

I am looking for some guidance and help of advice from anyone here over the next few months or so about which steps to take and where to start.

Also does she need medical tests?! If so what kind?! Her only problem is she gets kidney stones once a year!

Also we both work at the same job if that helps any.

And she applied for a lottery green card, but I think she may have to wait till the end of 2013 to move there and we don't want to wait that long

If I have more questions I will make sure to update

I look forward to talking with everyone!