coolrunnings888

Hi, 

I am sure this is a much debated topic, but I got a speeding ticket last year for about $200 (10-15 over) which I paid. 

I note that the language per the i-751 asks if you  "Have you ever been arrested, detained, charged... for breaking any law or ordinance (excluding traffic regulations)... 

I feel my answer here has to be NO right?  I think the instructions are trying to specify what documentation to provide if the answer is yes? 

Sorry - I'm sure this is a golden oldie!

Hi All,

My DCF (CR1) journey has come to an successful conclusion (July-December). For me the process was smooth and painless thanks mainly to the contents of this forum coupled with the professionalism and expediency of the folks at the London consulate. In terms of advice, there is no point in repeating lost_at_sea's guide as it is excellent although I would note a few small considerations that we (almost) missed.

Paperwork

i-864 - We found this absolutely the hardest single document to complete. Read the instructions, read them again and then complete. There is no substitute for this. The financial barrier to IR/CR1 is not difficult to overcome, but nonetheless the form is pedantic.

Domicile - For many people going through the DCF route domicile of the petitioner is an issue. If the petitioner still resides in the non-US country at the time of interview I would be prepared to come armed with supporting affidavit's et al.

Interview

Copy of Police Check Cert - Even though they take a copy at the medical the immigration folks need to see it again.

Courier Receipt / Details - Bring your receipt

Relationship with petitioner - Just a friendly warning that the extent of the discussion on your relationship can vary. My wife and I had been married for >1 year and lived together for >2, Based on my reading of forums etc I expected minimal questions, HOWEVER, the discussion and level of questions were lengthy/detailed.

X-Rays - DO NOT THROW OUT THE CD - you could need it at customs.

That is all I can think of, however I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank the fine folks in this forum for sharing their own observations. I will linger for now to give me 2c where I can.

Hi All,

I have my DCF CR1 interview coming up (12/2) and have a few questions if any kind soul here had time to share their thoughts:

1. The dreaded i-864

My wife (sponsor) has been living with me in the UK for the last 6 months as I have gone through this progress. For the purpose of the i-864 does that mean that the UK is her domicile (and she should complete the form on that basis) and then she should demonstrate her intention to re-establish US domicile through showing:

- Copies of bank statements from her UK bank account.

- Photocopies of our tax returns (n.b the actual returns, not the transcripts)

- Her social security card

- Details of her UK contract of employment (which is only temporary in nature)

- Details of her US job application / interviews to date

Ultimately our plan is to use my wife's parents (who live in the US) income to allow them to act as co-sponsor, however just wanted to double check that we can still do this if my wife does not state she has US domicile? All very confusing!

2.I have been offered a job in the US starting in Jan. Would it be worth bringing details of this offer along?

3. Assuming that we are approved, would it be presumptuous to book flights in early Jan or late Dec? From my research it seems like the visa takes about 10-14 days to be issued?

Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

Thanks - more interested to know if London routinely scan for blood alcohol tho - from all I have ready I think the answer is no !

Hi All,

I'm likely now being paranoid however I have my Medical on Monday and am planning on having a few drinks over the weekend - I assume that the medical folks don't look at Blood Alcohol (I have no history of abuse or problems of any sort) ?

I'm sure I will be well within the normal limits but just wanted to see if anyone had a similar experience or thoughts.

Hi Folks,

My wife (US Citizen) and I (UK Resident) are pursuing the DCF route and are trying to work our way through the I-864 (and I-864A) it’s fair to say we are really struggling to apply this form to the DCF situation and if you folks had any thoughts they would be invaluable!!

Basics:

- Married spouse (US Citizen) in the US in Nov-14 (while on J-1, No HRR), we returned to UK in March

- Filed I-130 a few months ago and had it approved / forwarded on to embassy (LND number assigned) without any issues. (CR1 Route being followed)

- Currently preparing I-864 and finding it one of the more treacherous documents of all our various immigration forms over the years

- Upon return to the US we would intend on living with my Spouse’s parents (who will also be our co-sponsor)

Spouse Income

My spouse (the petitioner) currently has temporary employment in the UK – obviously this will cease upon return to the US. Therefore on what basis does she complete Part 6 – Sponsor’s employment and income? Is she really meant to input her current earnings here even through it will discontinue upon leaving the UK?

Household Size – Co-Sponsor

My spouse’s father will act as my co-sponsor with annual salary earnings of c$45kpa. He lives with my spouse’s mother, his wife (retired), and they file taxes jointly.

For determining the household size I calculate the following

- Sponsored Person – 1

- Himself - 1

- His Spouse – 1

- Total 3

Assuming 3 – 125% X $20,090 =$25,112 (clearly within threshold)

I have read elsewhere that my spouse should also be considered in this calculation as we will move back in with him upon return – however I simply do not see a “box” for that in the I-864 – have I missed something? Ultimately, having a household size of 4 does not change the decision however keen not to make a mistake.

My spouse’s father (co-sponsor) also files taxes jointly with his (retired wife) – does she also become a co-sponsor? (i.e. does she become the second of 2 sponsors?) I understand she also has to complete the I-864A?

Further she gets around $10k p/a of social security – does this count as income for the purposes of the determination?

Domicile

Conscious that we also need to prove my spouse’s US domicile (as she has been living in the UK for 6 months) – my spouse (the petitioner) had planned to send a letter detailing the following pieces of evidence in this regard:

i) Copy of 2014 Federal Tax Return

ii) Copy of US Bank Account Statement (US Address) with c$15k savings.

iii) Copy of her UK contract of employment which is fixed term (maternity cover)

Is there anything else you folks feel that needs to be included here?

Apologies in advance for all the questions – this form is definitely the worst I have come up against to date!

Hi There,

Facts are as follows:

i) Living with my wife (US Citizen) in the UK (she has a 2 year resident visa)

ii) Recently returned to the UK after 18 month J-1 Visa (no overstay, no 2 Year HRR)

iii) Recently (2 days ago) filed initial DCF documentation (I-130)

My wife has had an unexpected death in the family and I would like to return to accompany her on returning to the US for the funeral (3-4 days max) - assuming that I present various supporting documentation (contract of employment etc) at immigration is this likely to cause a problem?

Also - is there someone at the Embassy who I can talk to on points like this? I assume not but worth a try.

Hi All,

Quick question for you - we are in the early stages of DCF, however from what I understand the entire process can be covered within a reasonably quick timeframe.

I just wanted to check when (or if) I am eligible to have a discussion with a US employer regarding potential future employment prior to entry into the states?

Thanks as always kind folks!

Thanks Everyone!!

When we do get through the GC process are we required to go back to the states within a certain timeframe? I assume yes - but have not seen anything specific.

KRs

Hi all,

I've been a long time reader and infrequent poster on this forum and find your notes invaluable. I just wanted your thoughts on the following:

Me - UK Citizen married US spouse while on J-1 in Nov-14.

Returned back to UK in late March 2015 (in line with requirements of Visa)

Spouse accompanied on UK Spousal visa (Spouse / CP)

• What is typically the most efficient method to return to the US - from reading this forum it looks like the CR1 route via DCF - is that accurate?
• Will I be unable to apply until a minimum of 6 months has passed? (I read this on the forum so just wanted to check against my fact pattern above)?
• Do people in our situation normally hire an immigration lawyer or handle the situation themselves?

Understand the above is all a little vague but appreciate any steer you may be able to give.

Thanks! That's really helpful

Incidentally if I have a job offer from the US - can that be used to satisfy the requirement? I'm guessing in practice most people just go down the joint sponsor route.

Nope - I think it just has to be any employment. Worst case I can meet the UK requirement through savings alone.

My bigger issue is the US - I think what you are saying is effectively agreeing with me? One of us needs a job in the US before we will meet the financial requirement?

I have a job there which pays 36k pa so should meet the financial requirement

Hi there,

Quick fact pattern to run by you guys to make sure I'm not making any huge mistakes

-On a J visa which expires March 2015

-I got married to a U.S. citizen in November 2014

-considered filing for AOS but have decided to return to uk with wife

- anticipate staying in uk with wife for 9+ months

Given that my wife will be living with me on a visa in the uk when I apply for a green card will this cause any issues ? In particular I'm intrigued by the financial requirement - will one of us effectively need a job before I can return to the U.S. ?

Also do I have any practical chance of returning to the U.S. on a tourist visa now I'm married to a us citizen? I suspect not? Is there any way to get pre approved on this point before wasting money on a flight?

Any thoughts would be really appreciated

Thanks for the note - but I am fearful that I may be challenged unduly at the port of re-entry ?

Hi All,

I'm in the US on a J-1 Visa (No HRR) and fully intend on moving back to my home country upon expiration of my current J-1.

As the topic name suggests, I do intend to marry a US citizen in Nov-14.

I had planned to travel outside the US in the coming months (Vacation & networking) however, I wanted to check that returning to the US with the intent to marry did not break any bright line rules?

Any pointers or advice would be extremely welcome!

DON'T under any circumstances enter on the VWP to start the J1 program. You would have to misrepresent why you were entering in order to get admitted and you can't change status to a J1 from the VWP. You didn't sound serious about that as an option, but I wanted to make sure you knew there were serious consequences if this looked like a way out.

You should get it in time -- don't worry and good luck!

Nope point taken - strangely I would be coming out of the US prior to the commencement of my visa (into canada) and having my UK passport posted out there - but I think on balance I would rather risk a few £ rather than months and months of issues!

Nope on both counts - to be honest the interview happened in a flash!

*fingers crossed*

I guess calling the guys at the embassy is out of the question?

Belfast actually, I'm going to collect mine at the Fed-Ex depo, hopefully save a day.

Looks like it might be tight - crossed my mind to travel to the US on an Irish passport, but worried that might cause a whole host of issues!

Hi All,

I had my J-1 visa interview on Friday (23/08), all went well (thanks in part to lurking & learning from you kind people on here!) and at the end of the interview the consulate officer signed and stamped my DS-2019.

I'm due (booked) to travel to the USA on 03 September, and the "visa wait time" per the local embassy website is 3 days. I'm just wondering if you guys think it's realistic that my passport will be returned to me before then?

Worst case scenario, I could re-arrange my flights - but nothing has given me any cause for alarm.

I'd really appreciate any comments you folks might have.