Jump to content

I Love Islam

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    116

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Posts posted by I Love Islam

    Expedite Approved

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

    Posted

    Hello All,

    I have a few questions... Our case was Approved for Expedite. NVC confirmed our AOS I-864 Packet was good (2 thumbs up) last week after being reviewed. NVC had mailed our I-864 to Tunisia including our Expedite Paperwork. I called NVC today, to confirm they've received our IV Packet. Female Customer Service stated NVC will be mailing me back the IV Packet. Then it's my responsibility to mail it to my husband in Tunisia. I spoke to Male Customer Service, he advised they will mail my IV Packet to Tunisia.. Confused?? Will US Embassy be sending my husband the Interview Letter along with Packet 3 for medical exam?? Female CS advised, my husband will be taking his IV Packet to US Embassy during his Interview..

    I'm so confused. Please help... :help:

    DS3032 problem!!

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

    Posted

    Correct. As soon as you can check the box in the online payment portal, you can pay the fee. You do not need to wait for any invoice.

    I have a question? I just got off the phone with NVC Rep... let her know my AOS is still showing as IN PROCESS and I paid Monday. She said it takes 3-5 business days and I can submit my AOS Packet today, attaching the Payment Receipt although its show IN PROCESS along with my Cover Sheet (which has generated).

    Im a bit confused... Then my husband's been sending the DS 3032 as email template but has been receiving the auto-reply from NVC..

    We both received (PAOSF I-130 FOR NEOPOST DS-1200) and (ACL FOR NEOPOST DS-1200) from NVC....stating "The immigrant visa petition recently filed on your behalf is now eligible for further processing at the National Visa Center (NVC)." which confirms his Mailing Address and DS 3032 form attached.

    Please :help:

    NVC Filers - November 2012

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

    Posted

    Upon suggestion of a VJ member (thanks foobaz123), I have decided to create a FAQ of the most common questions I see here on VJ concerning the NVC process. If you know of a common question that isn't mentioned here, please inform me through a reply in this thread or PM me. I'd be more than happy to include it here.

    FAQ

    How long does it take to get a case number assigned after NOA2?

    As of recently, it's been taking around 1-2 weeks. Check my spreadsheet (linked in post 1) to see where NVC is currently assigning case numbers.

    When (and how often) should I start calling NVC about the case number?

    Wait at least a week or two from your NOA2 date, then start calling. And call every single day afterwards until you get it.

    What happens if my case doesn't arrive in a timely manner? (Timely manner being the current wait time)

    VJ member tokinaija suggests: "Call USCIS, and specifically request to be connected to a Tier 2 supervisor (bypassing the contract customer reps). When connected to a Tier 2 representative, request that you want confirmation that your approved case has been physically shipped to NVC. In amenable words, request for the specific date that the package was shipped. If you are lucky, you will get someone who wold take the time to confirm this for you."

    Will I receive XXXX (initial information package, invoices, instructions, interview letter, etc) by email or snail mail?

    As long as you give over the email addresses of both the petitioner and beneficiary (once you have a case number), ALL correspondence from NVC will be sent through email.

    What do I do after my case number is assigned?

    Get the IIN from an operator (ask for the 'Invoice Identification Number', not IIN). Give over the email addresses of the beneficiary and petitioner. Email the DS-3032 (from the beneficiary's email address) following the template linked above.

    When can I email the DS-3032?

    Right after you get your case number. There's a chance it could get rejected (because they got to your email before they're ready to take documents), but if that's the case, just re-send it. On the flip side, there's also a chance it could get accepted and you wouldn't have wasted any time.

    Note: if you have a lawyer, they're already designated as agent due to the G-28 included in the I-130 package, so no need to send the DS-3032, unless you fire your lawyer.

    Note: if doing online forms (check link above for eligibility), then fill out the DS-261 found online at the above link. Do NOT send the DS-3032.

    I got an email from NVC that contains a bar-coded DS-3032 (along with other information). Do I re-send the DS-3032?

    NO. Do NOT email another DS-3032. NVC automatically generates these emails and do not care if you've already sent in a DS-3032 or not; they include a DS-3032 anyways. Only if NVC responds to your first DS-3032 with a rejection do you send another one.

    After the case number is assigned, how long does it take for the AOS bill to be invoiced?

    Recently, it's been taking a week or two.

    How much are the two bills? And how do I pay them?

    The AOS costs $88 (per case) and the IV is $230 (per person). They have to be paid with a US banking account on the payment portal (site linked in first post). See information here: http://travel.state..../info_3906.html If you can't or don't want to pay online, here's a link to how to pay through the mail: http://travel.state..../info_3905.html .

    Help! I can't sign into the payment portal. Why?

    If you're getting an error message ("Please be advised that the case that you have attempted to access is not eligible for further processing by the National Visa Center at this time…" or "This case is in the process of termination. Fee payments and online forms can no longer be accepted…" or "You cannot make online payments for your case at this time. Please contact the NVC if you have questions or need further information."), do NOT panic. This is actually good news! If you just got your case number, then this message means NVC is inputting your case in their system. If you get this message a few days after case number generation, then it's a good possibility that NVC is invoicing your AOS bill. And if this message appears a few days after DS-3032 acceptance, then there's a good chance the IV bill is being invoiced. And finally, if this message is appearing a few days or more after NVC received your packages, this is a good indication of case complete at NVC!

    What is needed in the AOS package?

    Generally, the following is needed:

    With no joint sponsors:

    - Bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal

    - Cover letter (optional)

    - Completed, signed, and dated I-864 form by petitioner

    - Tax information* of petitioner (either just the last year OR the last 3 years)

    - Employment letter of petitioner (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

    - Pay stub(s) of petitioner (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

    With joint sponsors:

    - All of the above of the petitioner

    - Completed, signed, and dated I-864 of joint sponsor

    - Tax information* of joint sponsor (either just the last year OR the last 3 years)

    - Proof of US citizenship/residency of joint sponsor (ex: copy of US passport, US birth certificate, US naturalization certificate, or front & back of green card)

    - Employment letter of joint sponsor (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

    - Pay stub(s) of joint sponsor (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

    If the joint sponsor is a household/family member, also include proof of that relationship (example: if a parent is a joint sponsor, include the petitioner's birth certificate with parents' name on it to show link).

    *You have two choices here of what to send in:

    - Tax return transcripts ordered from IRS (preferred by NVC and of most consulates/embassies) RECOMMENDED

    OR

    - Tax returns (1040) and W2s and any other schedules (if applicable)

    What if I (the petitioner) live with my spouse in their foreign country? Do I need to include anything in either package?

    You'll need to provide proof of US domicile with the AOS package, as well as bring it with you to the interview. Please read the I-864 instructions (pages 5 and 6) for information about it. This is NOT needed if the petitioner is living in the US. Here is a sample cover letter to include in the package (it lists MANY possible documents, some may not be applicable of course, to prove that you have, or will re-establish, domicile in the US):

    NAME

    SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

    FORM I-1864

    No. 15 Country of Domicile

    I, XXXX, am currently residing in FOREIGN COUNTRY with my spouse, SPOUSE'S NAME. Below you will find a list of attached documents to show that my principle residence is in the US and the steps that I have taken to return to the US with my family.

    Steps I have taken to maintain US Domicile:

    • Maintained my XXXX voter registration

    • Maintained my XXXX credit card registered in the US with a US PO box

    • Maintained my bank account at the XXXX Credit Union

    • Maintained my bank account at XXXX Bank

    • Maintained my XXXX drivers license

    • Maintained my US retirement fund through XXXX

    • Maintained my US investment account with XXXX

    • Maintained my US PO box

    • Maintained licensure by the XXXX

    • Maintained membership in the XXXX

    • Maintained my automobile in care of my parents

    Supporting Documents for the above steps I have taken:

    • Voter registration card showing permanent US address

    • XXXX credit card statement showing US billing address

    • XXXX Credit Union statement showing permanent US address

    • XXXX Bank statement showing permanent US address

    • XXXX drivers license showing permanent US address

    • Retirement fund statement showing permanent US address

    • Mutual fund statement showing permanent US address

    • XXXX license currently up to date

    • Renewal of XXXX membership

    • County tax bill showing I still own a vehicle

    Steps I have taken to return to the US to take up residence:

    • Made arrangements for us to have a house to live in

    • Contacted schools for requirements of things to bring to register my children in school

    • Contacted my auto insurance company to find out about re-instating my insurance on my car

    • Contacted shipping company for estimate of costs to ship belongings

    Supporting documents for the above steps I have taken:

    • Lease agreement for our house

    • Email from schools regarding registration requirements

    • Email from my former auto insurance company regarding my inquiry

    • Email from XXXX with estimate and correspondence regarding shipping our belongings

    I declare that I intend in good faith to re-establish my domicile in the United States no later than the date of spouse's admission into the US.

    I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the statements in this letter and all accompanying evidence are true and correct.

    Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ______________________

    NAME

    Thanks to VJ member lemayz for this suggestion!

    I sent the AOS package but got a checklist for the IV package (which I either have sent or not sent yet) [or vice versa]. What's going on?

    If you sent the packages separately, then get a checklist for the other one, just ignore it; it's a false checklist. The same applies if you sent just one of the packages and get a checklist for the other. Please understand that as soon as NVC reviews a package, they very frequently generate a checklist for the other package, without even checking if they have it in the building first. If you do get a checklist for one of the packages, you do NOT have to use that bar-coded cover sheet; you can still use the one from the payment portal.

    The only time a checklist is real (and not false) is if it asks for something very specific missing in a package (like a police certificate, for example). If it asks for something general, like the entire package, then you can assume it's false. Call up an operator at NVC to confirm.

    Thanks to VJ member sulhaq for this suggestion!

    When does the IV bill get invoiced?

    After you send the DS-3032, NVC will most likely respond in a week or two with an acceptance email (or rejection). A few days after acceptance, the IV bill will be invoiced.

    What is needed in the IV package?

    Generally, the following is needed:

    - Bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal

    - Completed, signed, and dated DS-230 form by beneficiary (do NOT sign or date part 2; this is done at the interview) [note: if doing online forms (DS-260), the DS-230 is obviously not needed]

    - Two passport-style photographs (2" x 2") of beneficiary (on the back, write: beneficiary's full name, date of birth, and case number)

    - Copy of bio-data page of beneficiary's unexpired passport

    - Original or Certified Copy of beneficiary's birth certificate, PLUS A PHOTOCOPY

    - Original or Certified Copy of marriage certificate, PLUS A PHOTOCOPY

    - Original police certificate(s)

    Please read: http://travel.state..../info_3195.html for additional documents if applicable.

    Also read the country-specific documents linked in the first post. There may be additional documents needed not listed above.

    If my documents are not in English, do they need to be translated?

    NVC's website states:

    "All documents not written in English, or in the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made, must be accompanied by certified translations and submitted to the NVC. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator stating that the:

    -Translation is accurate, and

    -Translator is competent to translate."

    Despite this, I have seen cases of people getting checklists for not having translations of non-English documents. I'd suggest you get everything translated anyways to be on the safe side. It's not needed, but highly recommended.

    How long does it take for a bill to appear as PAID in the payment portal after paying it?

    Usually just a day or two.

    Do I have to wait for NVC to email me instructions before mailing packages?

    NO. If you wait on NVC for this, it can take WEEKS to get anything from them. As long as the respective bill appears as PAID in the payment portal, you can send in your package.

    What address do I send the AOS and IV packages?

    You will find their addresses on their respective bar-coded cover sheets, which are printed off the payment portal.

    Can the packages be sent from abroad or does it have to be from within the US?

    Doesn't matter where the package is sent from; NVC just needs to receive it.

    Do the packages have to be sent separately or can they be sent together?

    Either one or the other works. Again, as long as NVC receives both needed packages, they don't really care. Each way has their pros and cons.

    After sending in the packages, how long does it take to get a case complete?

    Lately, it's been taking just a few days to a week after the last package is received.

    Do I get an email if my packages have been accepted?

    No, not that I have seen. You have to call NVC every day and ask for updates on your case to find out if a package has been reviewed and accepted.

    Do I get an email when my case is completed?

    Generally, no. Only those doing EP (electronic processing) get the case complete emails. There are some non-EP folk that get case complete emails, but it's rare. Again, to find out if your case is complete, call an operator at NVC and ask.

    After the case is completed, what happens?

    In most cases: the case is put in a queue to get an interview date scheduled. Once an interview date is scheduled, the case is shipped out to the consulate/embassy.

    Who should I be calling to find out my interview date?

    You should be calling both NVC and DOS. Both have access to your case information. Their numbers are linked above.

    How long does it take to get an interview date after a case complete?

    This varies by country and consulate/embassy. Some people find out within a day or two, others a few weeks, then the few unfortunate that wait a few months (ex: Ghana). To get the best estimate for YOUR country is to search, using the timeline feature, when others got case completes and when they got their interview dates scheduled.

    When do interview dates get scheduled?

    If you talk to operators at NVC, they'll always tell you they ONLY schedule during the second week of each month. This is a LIE. They schedule interviews ALL month long. Many people (like myself) have gotten scheduled during the last week of the month. I repeat, they schedule ALL month long.

    How long does it take for NVC to mail my case out after getting an interview date scheduled?

    Usually it's the next day, but it can take up to a week or more in rare cases.

    Is it possible to get a tracking number for my green card after POE?

    Yes it is! Follow VJ member Darnell's advice:

    "Call USCIS, get a human, ask for the TRACKING NUMBER on the green card.

    Yes, such a thing exists, and they will give it to you when asked.

    Then call USPS and inquire for status.

    In the end, if USPS sent it back to USCIS, you'll need to call USCIS again, talk with an ISO about 'returned mail pieces', go over your address again on the telephone, and ask to have all returned mail pieces sent back to you."

    -------------------------------------------------------

    Please note: the above time frames are just estimates. Do NOT freak out if your case takes a little bit longer. The time frames are constantly changing. They also depend on NVC's work load for that day/week.

    -------------------------------------------------------

    Summary of NVC process:

    - get case number and IIN, give email addresses over

    - email the DS-3032

    - pay the AOS bill, once it's invoiced

    - once the bill appears as PAID, mail the AOS package

    - pay the IV bill, once it's invoiced

    - once the bill appears as PAID, mail the IV package

    - respond to any checklists, if applicable

    - get case complete

    - get interview date scheduled

    Hello Saylin... I received my NOA2 Approval by text on 10/22/2012 and NOA2 Hardcopy in mail 10/24/2012. I received my Case#, IIN# and Ben Id.# and gave the Customer Service Rep (Pet. & Ben) email address on 10/31/2012. Do I have to wait until I get a response/package from NVC before emailing the DS 3032 template? My husband (Ben.) e-mailed the DS 3032 yesterday and he received an auto reply, called NVC this morning and was told not to send in anything as of yet.. According to EZGuideSpouse link on VJ, it says to email DS 3032 once we recieved Case# and IIN# and if e-mail is on file with NVC. A bit confused... :help::help:

    Vermont Service center

    in Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

    Posted

    anything helps right??? kicking.gif I'm just glad they weren't closed because of the storm...

    Called NVC for our Case#... Unfortunately, they are Closed due to Hurrican Sandy.. Which will delay work hours for Petitions having their Cases Reviewed in New Hampshire. Inshallah. Hoping and praying all families and friends encountering the storm to be safe until the storm passes. Amin. God Bless...

    NVC received my Case today...

    in National Visa Center (Dept of State)

    Posted

    Hello All,

    Reading, reading, reading for the the next step...I'm awaiting for my Case# and was advised by the Representative; wait 10-15 business days to have it entered into the system. So I can get our Case#, ask for Invoice ID.# and give NVC (Pet. and Ben.) e-mail address. Then have my husband email the DS3032 to NVC.. Once that's done.. We can pay the AOS and IV Packet online at the same time when it's generated in the system..

    IV Packet...Does my husband have to translate our Marriage Certificate? Although he's sending in the Original copy??

    Please let me know if the Process is correct.. Thanks!!! :)

    Cont... RFE for Bona Fide Marriage...

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

    Posted

    asalaam alaykoum

    I am having a similar problem except I haven't even received my RFE yet, been waiting 40 days now for my letter. Every time I call I get "wait another 15 days and call back". They opened a service ticket, I got 2 different responses in letters, one said 30 days, one said 15 days. I finally broke down to get a lawyer because I am tired of USCIS incompetence!

    I would recommend that you write them a letter and send it via registered mail and request an expedite on your case. inshAllah it will all work out. This process is certainly a test of patience!

    Aychek for your reply.. So far no text/email from CA USCIS regarding my RFE... :whistle: Keep in touch. :)

    Cont... RFE for Bona Fide Marriage...

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

    Posted

    Hello VJ,

    I need some friendly input.... A few of you had read my situation regarding my RFE posted on August 15th.. Our 2 months has come to an end this Saturday... So, I called CA USCIS yesterday and this morning discouraged and upset regarding our process.. Advising CSRep, I haven't received our RFE results and Saturday will be 60 days.. Also addressing our Petition took over 6 months and now the RFE is dragging so slow. He advised me to call back Monday, if I haven't received our RFE results and he will submit a ticket... Then we'll have to wait an additional 15 days..

    I know this is not normal.. :angry: Any feedback would be appreciated...

    New to forum

    in Introducing our Members

    Posted

    Hello I am new to this forum and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Sherri and my husband and I have been married since Feb. We are also expecting our first child due in Nov. I been checking out the boards for awhile but just finally sign up. We have already received our NOA2 on 8-16 and I contacted the NVC today and they received our paperwork on the 20th. We are hoping and praying that my hubsand just might be here in time for the birth of our son in Mid- november.

    Congrats to both of you.. Awww...so sweet. Welcome to VJ.

    RFE for Bona Fide Marriage

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

    Posted

    So not any time prior to sending off the I-130, studying the section in the instructions about the 6 types of evidence.

    OK..

    Ouch.

    Well, now you've learned a bit more, and you have submitted more stuff. Congratulations.

    Now ya wait.

    Good Luck !

    I did add all the required documents looking over my I-130 Packet.. Submitted a written statement of how we met, 8 wedding pictures, Bona Fide Marriage stated on our Marriage Certificate/Translated and 2 Affidavits.. USCIS process sux!!! Some Petitioners hardly submitted documentations and were Approved. :angry:

    RFE for Bona Fide Marriage

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

    Posted

    Reason I asked is cause I got back from Colombia and put together the package in one day, didn't really include many pics (just like 14 total, some before and after wedding, a couple from the wedding, our first FaceBook picture with tons of "likes" and comments, and 2 honeymoon pics. Most of the before and after pics are with my and her family. That along with 2 affidavits, one from my mom and another from my MIL.

    Just hoping I don't get an RFE cause we use mainly FaceTime, textfree, Tango and iMessage which don't really have logs i can print. And it would really suck to add more time to the already expected delays coming up.

    Good luck to us all!!

    Tycoon replied... This was too much of evidence.I just submit marriage certificate, birth certificate and my wife passport copy.Approved couple of months ago and now just waiting on Interview. Good luck.

    OMG!! Some ppl are just lucky...I guess.. :)

    RFE sent out (split topic)

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

    Posted · Edited by I Love Islam

    RFE sent out on August 14, 2012 and received on August 16, 2012.

    Although we sent wedding pictures, photocopies of passport pages, affidavits by witnesses and friends who were present at the wedding, CSC-USCIS requires more proof of a bonafide marriage/relationship.

    We are planning to send:

    • Chat logs
    • Emails
    • More photos
    • More affidavits
    • Passport page with entry / exit stamps
    • Phone call records
    • Copy of house lease agreement (if the landlord would agree to put my husband's name on it but he says SSN is required to do it so probably not).

    Questions:

    1. Any expert opinion on what else to send?
    2. Do I need to send original RFE letter with the evidence or should I keep the original and send a copy of RFE letter with evidence?
    3. Since I had filed two petitions (I-130 for CR-1 and I-129F for K3), I have received same RFE for both the petitions. Should I send same set of evidence x 2 separately for both petitions or would only one set of evidence be sufficient? (They are going to administratively close K3 anyway but still I would appreciate advice from some experienced person maybe Darnell, Saylin or Pushbrk?).
    4. To which address should I send the evidence? To lockbox again where I sent the petitions or directly to California Service Center address?

    Thank you :)

    Courtship

    •I have submitted copies of E-mails, Phone Bill (includes International Messaging) and Web Conversations from Yahoo and MSN; we were in contact before my trip abroad.

    Relationship

    •I have submitted copies of ongoing relationship after our marriage cards/letters, e-mails and Phone Bill (International Messaging).

    •Yes, my husband and I speak English. Our family and friends speak English.

    •Copy of Police Report, Scheduled Appointment for Current Police Report.

    •Copy of Petitioner’s Electricity Bill including Home Address in USA with Beneficiary Name.

    Travel

    •I have submitted all stamped passport pages for (maiden name) and (married name).

    •I have submitted my Booking Confirmation Itinerary during my travel for our Wedding Celebration in 06/2011, our Honeymoon in 11/2011 and our Vacation in 06/2012.

    •I have submitted an Electricity Bill of his parent’s 2nd home located in Tunisia; where (Petitioner and Beneficiary) stayed while overseas.

    •I traveled alone 3 times to Tunis, Tunisia to be with my husband.

    Photos

    •I have submitted 52 Wedding Celebration photos, 44 photos taken during our stay in Tunisia, visit to Tabarka and our Honeymoon in Hammamet, Tunisia.

    Wedding

    •I have submitted our Wedding Announcement and photos of family and friends.

    See if you can add your spouse to the Electricity Bill, it'll have your Apartment Address with his name added. They didnt require SSN, make sure his name is visible on the Payment Notice when you receive mail. I wasnt able to add my husband to my Lease Agreement due to SSN too, but the Apartment Office/Manager is able to submit a written Letter for you to submit to USCIS. I submitted more wedding pix with family and friends.

    I've received a reply from tycoon....This was too much of evidence.

    I just submit marriage certificate, birth certificate and my wife passport copy.

    Approved couple of months ago and now just waiting on Interview

    Good luck

    RFE for Bona Fide Marriage

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

    Posted · Edited by I Love Islam

    What is needed or likely to be asked for during the petition approval process, depends on the country and circumstances, but it is a best practice to at least address that last item on the list of "in addition to the required...". Usually, some photos together and passport stamps showing time spent together in person will be enough. From the more high fraud countries, extra evidence is s very good idea.

    Very understandable. Thanks for the reply.. I guess I shouldn't beat myself up... I kept thinking maybe I should have included this or all those in the I-130 Packet.. It was driving me crazy. Thanks! :)

×
×
  • Create New...