baduk

Thanks for all the mail...

I guess I could kiss good bye to my $450 check...

I am thinking of reporting to the local police for 'stolen federal mail'. We lost not only the green card, but the SSC once also... I wonder if the mailman is messing with us...

I applied a CR1 spouse visa last year. My wife finally receive a green card stamp and entered the US this Feb, 2013. This is all good, but we never received the green card. Basically, the USCIS mailed it out by "Priority Mail (USPS)", and according to USPS records it was 'delivered'. It turns out the mail man during that period was a temp, but the post office insists it was delivered (that is what their computer system says).

I contacted USCIS to get the card re-issued. They forwarded me to their website which says I need to pay $450 processing fee because the card was not returned as 'undeliverable' by the USPS. My case falls under "lost, stolen, or damaged" category. How convenient... I think this is BS. I paid $480 processing fee already to USCIS and the onus is on USCIS to make sure the green card is delivered in my hands. There are "receiver signature required" delivery methods; why use a method that is not 100% and when something happens the customer takes the blame ??

Any thoughts ? Can I sue the US government for process fee ?

Yes, it is helpful to be there with your spouse as well as extremely comforting for them.And yes, I am sure it does look good. I actually reside in the Philippines so I was able to attend the 2 minute interview with my wife very easily. However, I fully understand that some people just can't be at the interview. If you can't attend, I WOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT IT AT ALL!!!! It is definitely NOT required. Especially if you have a solid case. Don't believe the rumors. I too had the same question and found no where on here that someone was denied for their spouse not attending. If someone did claim that, I would seriously suspect they had other issues pending. The #1 cause of denial of a CR-1 IR-1 visa according to the Department of State is failure to comply with the Affidavit of Financial Support (form 864). As well, it's not listed on any official US Government website that the spouse need to be there. Find globehoppermama on here as they are currently going through the process in Seoul as well. So if you can't go, relax, then let me know that you got approved!

I decided to fly to Korea for the interview anyway. My feeling is, as most stated, my wife would have gotten the visa anyway without me being there. However, a US citizen spouse taking the oath together with the wife did make the interview much smoother. The interview was so short and smooth, it was just a formality. My wife was careful, but I exchanged jokes with the officer in a friendly manner... This information will all be irrelevant with Obama changing the absurd immigration law in 2013...

Well, When I started this process I emailed the Embassy in Ankara. I was told I could not go to the interview and it would be a waste of my time to go because I would not be allowed to attend. I know that each Embassy is different. You need to know what your Embassy will allow/want. It is not going to be the same for each interview / Embassy. I am not worried either way. We have a strong file. And I am using a very good lawyer.

Yes, I was worried about that, but my wife asked around and found out they allow the spouse to be there in Korea.

Thanks ! I thought so too.

I decided to fly there anyway to support my wife. As you said, I am 99.999 sure my wife would have been approved anyway, but me, a US citizen being there did make the interview much smoother... It cost me $1500 for airfare, but my wife did appreciate it...

The spouse isn't required to be there. Most beneficiaries attend without their SO. I think being there will improve the chances, I don;t think the visa will be denied merely because you don;t show up, as long as you have a strong relationship and you can prove it. As you stated you have a very strong marriage.

Thanks ! I thought so too.

We are finally at the last stage of CR1 visa. My wife is scheduled to interview at the US embassy in Seoul. I hear some rumors(?) that they are more likely to reject you if you don't come with your spouse. Do I need to fly to Korea just for the interview ?? Our case is very solid and I can't see how they will reject just because the spouse is not present ??

I am curious which I-130 is sent to Vermont, then which applications are sent to California or Texas ??

I see CA service center applicants get their NOA2 within 2-3 months, while the VSC applicants are waiting 5-6 months (including myself)....

Why this discrimination, and is this a simple luck of the draw ???

I submitted the I-130 in April for my spouse in South Korea.

After checking the processing time chart, I expect the NOA2 to arrive next week.

I would like to make sure I don't waste any time. It has already been 5 months...

What is the next step, and how long do I expect the rest of the process to last ??

Also, I submitted my spouses birth certificate original/marriage certificate original and a certified translation with a seal (stamp) with the I-130. Do I need to re-submit originals for the next step for the visa ?? I was wondering if the Homeland secruity will forward those files to the National Visa center ??

Regards,

Thanks you guys, I feel much better about everything now!

Hey, I am not sure about this. Do you guys have a first hand experience ?? I was told, if the immigration officer decides to reject the entry of the applicant, that gets into the I-130 record ('red flag') and his I-130 can get delayed/jeopardized...

Make sure you know as a fact before giving advice. I know it all makes sense logically, but these immigration matters are not about logic...

BTW, if you do intend to go ahead with your plan, and it succeeds, please post it !!! I would like to bring my wife to US temporarily the same way !!!!