pocamuela

1) No, you are now filing the I-485 based on an approved immigrant visa petition (The I-130) so check "a" on the I=485

2) Yes, the I-130 needs to be treated as if it were separate of the I-485, so additional passport pics, and G-325A forms.

3) Needed for interview.

Send everything in same envelope to Chicago address specified in the I-485 directions.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...page=i130guide2

Thank you so much, Yu and Dan. After awhile nothing seems to make sense even after reading the guides. I really appreciate your clarifying this for me. I don't know what I would do without the support of this site.

My husband entered on K-1 Visa. We married in 5 months - not 3, so we're applying to Adjust Status based on I-130 filed simultaneously.

1. Do I have to include the NOA 2 from the K-1? A copy of the I-129F from previously filed? A copy of the whole I-129 petition?

2. Do I have to file separate G-325A's for I-130 and for I-485? If so, do I need photos for both?

3. Is proof of common residency to be sent in with this package or is it only for the interview?

Thanks so much for your help- I'm drowning in papers. If you're going to marry your fiance, do it within the 90 days!!!

Pocamuela

Thanks Yu and Dan. I did read the guiide - that's why I'm confused. First, which is the local office? Vermont or somewhere in my city? Second, I'd like to know if anyone has been through this process as I was given different information by an immigration attorney. Thanks again!

You mail the whole package I-130, I-485, I-864, I-765, I-131... to the Chicago PO Box stated the I-485 directions, along with fees for I-485 ($1010) and I-130 ($355) Other forms (I-765, and I-131) are part of the ($1010) paid for I-485.

USCIS Lockbox Addresses:

For United States Postal Service (USPS) deliveries:

USCIS

P.O. Box 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Thank you so much, Yu and Dan. I really appreciate your help.

Pocamuela

Thanks Yu and Dan. I did read the guiide - that's why I'm confused. First, which is the local office? Vermont or somewhere in my city? Second, I'd like to know if anyone has been through this process as I was given different information by an immigration attorney. Thanks again!

File I-130 and I-485 together to base the I-485 on an approved I-130 petition. You don't send to local office you send the who package to Chicago.

SEE: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...page=i130guide2

This is a FAQ:

6.13)...What happens if we do not get married within the 90 day validity of the K1 visa?

A..In this case, you can no longer file for Adjustment of Status based on being a K1.You will have to submit an I-130 relative petition along with the I-485 and all the other paperwork to the local USCIS (INS) office. You may have to have another medical exam, and you will need to be prepared to answer questions about why you did not get married within 90 days. In effect, you will have become an out-of-status alien who is adjusting status based on marriage to a US Citizen.

http://www.visajourney.com/faq/k1k2visa-aos.html#6.13

Married my fiance within 5 months - not 90 days. Shortly after he came, there was a crisis involvng his family in Cuba. He was so upset and unsure if he would have to return there to help out, that we delayed the marriage. I read on this site that in such a case, we must file I-130 with the other AOS papers and send it to the local office. What does that mean? Vermont where I sent the original K1 petition? A friend who is an immigration lawyer said I can file as if we married on time, give an explanation, and send to Chicago Lock Box. What is the truth? Does anyone have experience with this? Do you think our explanation will be accepted? Thank you!

I am so happy now. I just heard from my fiance that he went to pick up his carta blanca today or yesterday at this hour, the 4th. He made his flight reservations also and will fly to Cancun on the 20th then on to JFK. We will finally be together, thank you God!

It has been a long two months wait since he got the visa approved. Not much longer now. So soon we will be added to the growing list of satisfied VJ couples who have endured a fulfilling journey. Thank you VJ and all who are a part of this wonderful website.

All waiting Cuban VJers, your time is coming soon. God bless!

Congratulations!!! Have been really busy and haven't been on VJ for awhie.

It's great that he's coming through JFK. Remind him to ask for the stamp that wil give him permission to work. If he can get it, it will make things much easier. Best wishes.

Pocmuela

It's so good to have him here! Exactly 7 1/2 months from filing. Hardest part was the carta blanca which took 2 months. He was so excited when he received it on Wednesday, that rather than wait to get on a Cancun flight with a connection to JFK, he caught the first thing smoking which happened to be a flight to Miami on Thursday. He had no problems there and even made some friends in the airport. Wish he could have gotten the EAD at JFK, but we'll deal with it. Now on to the AOS process...

Best to those still waiting. To those with loved ones in Cuba, it may not take as long for you to get the carta blanca. My fiance had to do paperwork in 2 viviendas because he wasn't living at the address on his carnet. Hope to see you all soon on the other side of VJ.

pocamuela

Thank you all so much for your congratulations.

Faithful

Felicidades!!! Hope the rest goes smoothly and you're together soon. We're still waiting for the salida because of an address problem but all should be resolved soon.

Pocamuela

Hey all you with Cuban SO... What is the best way to contact the USINT to find out if our petition has arrived there yet? I know they will eventually contact my fiance, but wanted to see if there is any way to speed that up. I know there is a "toll free" (though a fee for a pin #) to call and schedule appointments for a family memember. Does the USINT have an e-mail that is regularly checked? I know the local number there but do not want to pay unless it is worth it. Just wanted to check with you all who have the experience... muchas gracias!!!

You can't use the toll free line for Fiance Visas. I don't know the email address off hand but I have posted it and may have sent it to you in a PM. I have sent 2 emails. The first was answered w/in 2 days, the other took over a week. You can also fax (number is listed on the USINT website) but I have had problems sending faxes because of the problem with phone lines.

Pocamuela

¡¡Felicitaciones!!!

Thanks so so much to all for your support and good wishes. It really means a lot!!

Best wishes to everyone.

Alex

I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!

Aside from the waiting, the interview wasn't bad. (See my consular review for more on the interview.) He was approved and congratulated on the day of the interview but had to present a new police certificate - the one he had was 2 months old and they told him that they were being very careful to have it be more recent because of Cuba's terrorist status. I don't know if this is standard or how recent the report needs to be but if you're at that point in the process in Cuba, you might want to contact USINT to find out. The interview was Thursday, USINT was closed Friday, and when he brought the new certificate Monday, they didn't have time to finish the processing so he picked up the visa today.

A package I sent him by DHL which had additional evidence of our relationship didn't arrive on time because it was delayed by DHL's inspection process - (yes, this is because Cuba is a terrorist country!) so I advise sending stuff 2 weeks in advance. Luckily they didn't ask for any additional proof.

On to the Cuban exit process. My fiance tells me that he has heard that currently this takes an average of 15-20 days but, of course we all know that all parts of the visa process are largely a matter of luck as far as waiting time goes.

Good luck to all, and especially to those of you with a Cuban connection.

Pocamuela

Just to follow up on the topic Augustajim posted, I would like to hear people's feedback on "How do you show proof of having met in the fiancee's country and submit that proof to the government when travel there is not legal?"

I know some of you all met your Cuban spouse during authorized visits because you are originally Cuban or had one of the special licenses (hard to get!) But there has to be some of us that met while travelling through a third country to get there. (not calling anyone out and don't want to start a legal ruckus on the forum, just putting it out there....) But does anyone know how the US government dealing with that issue in interviews:

What do they say to you when you are sitting there telling them you met in Cuba when you were never supposes to be there in the first place (this is not an admission that I have done this or plan to but just wondering because I know some of us are not of Cuban heritage and have gone there without license, fallen in love, and wondering if that eventually comes up in this process)

thanks for your input!

There is always the risk of a fine if you travel illegally. However, the folks at the Interests Section are really not interested in how you got there. It seems to be basically "don't ask don't tell". I have been there and spoken to officials in the visa section and also in the assistance to American citizens section. I have always travelled legally but I know others who have gone through the entire visa process and have not travelled legally and it just doesn't come up. Just show your ticket stubs as part of the evidence of your relationship and don't worry about that side of it.

By the way, many people travel to Cuba legally through 3rd countries. Personally, I would rather go through a 3rd country than deal with Miami Airport.

Pocamuela

Hello everyone, My fiance was just approved and he is picking up his VISA today!!!!! AP is finally over!!!!! Good luck everyone

cubanlovestory and child

I've been waiting for your good news!! Congratulations - I'm so so happy for you. Best wishes.

Pocamuela

This has nothing to do with the questiom. It really is a seperate question. How do you show proof of having met in the fiancee's country and submit that proof to the government when travel there is not legal? seems to me like running to the police station and confessing to a crime?

For the sake of all reading this... just forget I posted it (hence no need to reply), unless you can actually answer the questions asked or have any wise insight. Not one of you here actually knows how I met my fiance or whether travel was legal, so that really is not the question. But thanks for your "concern." I will deal with all the logistics of this and will find another way to firgure this out. Guess that means I will not be answering your questions... whether they were meant to be rhetorical or not. Best of luck to you in what ever stage of the journey you are in.

Hi Rebex,

Haven't been reading much on this site recently so just saw your post. A tourist visa (that's what you get no matter what license you have or don't have from the US) is good for 30 days. It can be renewed at a Cuban immigration office - I don't know how many times. The immigration offices for Cubans are different from those for foreigners so ask before you spend hours waiting on line. Hope this helps.

Pocamuela

Hi to all my fellow Cuban fiances,

We received our interview date today! We are scheduled for the 3rd of April. I was so excited when I got the e-mail.

Well my fiance is getting all of his paperwork together so he should be well prepared by that date. I can join the ranks now with just seating back and relaxing. I can't wait to see him in March when I return there.

Wow! It is hard to believe that he is finally going to be here this year.

I hope everyone is progressing along very well and preparing for their sweethearts to be here soon. Much success to you all.

Faithful

Congratulations, Faithful. Great timing for bringing him the last-minute papers he'll need. (latest phone bills, new photos, tickets...)Are you planning to go to the interview?

My (personal and unsubstantiated) speculation is that the interview date has to do with the priority date that was sent with the notification from the NVC that the petition was being sent to Havana. In any case, I hope you receive yours soon.

Pocamuela

Priority dates are not applicable with K1s - it's the same as your NOA2 date and has no connection to your inteview date.

Kitkat1:

I know what you're saying is true that priority dates don't apply to K1's but I always think that the rules in Cuba are different. For one, thing, k1's in Cuba are processed as immigrant visas. Do you know if this is true in other places? Also, one of the officials I spoke with at the Havana Interests Section made a point of looking up the priority date. My priority date is actually a day before the NOA1 date. It's the date my original petition was received.

Pocamuela

Hi to all with Cuban fiances.

Just back. Was there for 17 days - my last visit till we can go together. Couldn't wait to check this site and see how you all are progressing. Best to all in the New Year!

Went to Interests Section with some questions. Not hard to get in and speak to Consul. Showed up in the morning, filled out a form and was told to come back at 3. When I came back I waited only about 10 minutes. Saw no other Americans there and felt really bad to see the Cubans waiting and waiting ans waiting to deliver or pick up documents or for their interviews. Spoke to a Consul and 2 lesser officials - all very nice and happy to answer my questions. Also gave me an email address to contact them since it's so difficult to call from here: consularhavana@state.gov

One of my questions had to do with the chequeo medico. My fiance showed me his and it was 2 or 3 loose pages with no envelope. Nowhere in the information packet did it specify that the results must be sealed. So when I told him that he went back to the hospital where he was told that they don't have the budget to buy envelopes! When I asked the Consul about this, he told me that the Interests Section sends them the envelopes which bear the seal of the US gov. He laughed and said, "That's a new one - I wonder what they're doing with the envelopes." He said nothing surprises him anymore. The medical form also has his carne # where they were supposed to put his passport # and a random 2-digit number where it asked for his alien case number. Has anyone else had problems with this???

Also, a Cuban friend who is interesed in learning English told me that he called the Interests Section and asked for the department of Prensa y Cultura and they sent a huge package with cassettes, books and bilingual materials to his house. The package arrived in a big truck within 3-4 days. Apparently they have materials at all levels.

My fiance and I spent many frustrating days seeking elusive documents - always difficult but more so during the holidays.

How are you all doing???

Pocamuela

Hey there,

So I am not exactly able to answer any questions being as my fiance and I are just starting this whole process. I just wanted to thank you for the helpful information and knowing what is going on with others of you with Cuban fiance(e). It helps to hear what your experiences have been. Also it is nice to hear that you were able to be there for a few weeks. So that was the last time until your fiance is here? Also how did you arrange travel, via a third country. I have obviously done it on my own, but always curious to see if there is a better or cheaper way to get there. So here is a question... there is no problem getting into the interest section as a US citizen... does that apply to those that are there "illegally" as well. As for the address thing we have had no issues but my fiance did just change his address on his carned to the one he is actually living at now, so hopefull that avoids any confusion. And finally... if any of you more experienced Cuban visa filers have advice for us novices, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!!

Rebex05:

I've always been able to travel legally but I generally go through Mexico. I would have gone illegally if necessary because this is a huge step and a huge commitment. I think it's important to spend as much time as possible together. Both of us have been divorced - marriage isn't easy.

The Interests Section didn't ask anything about my reasons for being in Cuba. From the information I have they don't seem to care. If they did, I would think we would be required to submit travel licenses along with the proof of relationship and of having met in person (photos, plane tickets, etc.)

My advice is to try not to obsess too much (I did!) and just get your papers in as soon as possible. This is the only part of the process that we actually have control over in terms of speeding things up!!!

Mucha suerte!

Pocamuela

Well everyone,

I received an e-mail today from the US consulate stating that there are not any appointments available. I now know how you felt Pocamuela. I hope they give us an appointment soon.

How long did it take them to set your date after you requested it Pocamuela? I know my fiance is going to be disappointed to wait so long.

I guess this is the price you pay for getting your petition approved early on the US side. I think maybe when they saw that it was a Cuba petition they knew how long a wait we will have when it gets here that they just sent it on through. (just speculating).

Anyway, the wait begins...

Faithful

It took under 2 weeks from the "no appointmnets" email to get the actual appointment. My (personal and unsubstantiated) speculation is that the interview date has to do with the priority date that was sent with the notification from the NVC that the petition was being sent to Havana. In any case, I hope you receive yours soon.

Pocamuela

I don't know whether to feel relieved or disappointed. After being told that there were "no interivew appointments available at this time" I'm glad that we were given an interview date but it's not until March 8 and of course we were hoping it would be sooner. I think the hardest part isn't waiting for him but waiting without knowing for sure that his visa will be approved. There is no reason he should be denied but of course you never know, and then there's the Cuban side.... I am truly grateful that things have gone so quickly till now. Just tired of worrying and waiting all the time.

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

I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU THAT YOU GOT YOUR APPOINTMENT, THOUGH I WISH YOU WOULD HAVE GOTTEN IT EARLIER.

I JUST WENT THROUGH THE HAVANA US CONSULATE'S WEBSITE TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT AND IT WAS EMAILED TO ME JUST MINUTES AFTER. THEY GAVE US THE INTERVIEW APPOINTMENT FOR MARCH 29, 2007. I CALLED MY FIANCE ALREADY AND INFORMED HIM. I HAVE ASKED HIM TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME WITH HIS FAMILY AND ENJOY THEM TO THE MAX, BECAUSE ONCE HE GETS HERE (THOUGH IT'LL BE A WHILE YET) WE WON'T BE ABLE TO VISIT FOR A WHILE!!!!! ANYHOW, PLEASE ONCE YOUR FIANCE HAS THE INTERVIEW, UPDATE US! I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR STORY AND OTHERS GOING THROUGH MY SAME PROCESS WITH A CUBAN FIANCE AND IT HAS HELPED ME SO MUCH. NOT ONLY THAT, BUT... I DON'T FEEL ALONE! FINDING THIS FORUM HAS BEEN A BLESSING FOR ME. I THANK YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO SHARES THEIR EXPERIENCES ON HERE.

OH... I AM THINKING OF GOING TO CUBA ON THE 29TH OF MARCH SO THAT I CAN ACOMPANY MY FIANCE TO HIS INTERVIEW, DOES ANYONE THINK I SHOULD DO OTHERWISE.

I WANT TO GO FOR TWO REASONS:

1- I MIS HIM AND MY FAMILY IN CUBA SINCE I HAVEN'T SEEN THEM SINCE MARCH OF 2005.

2- I WOULD LOVE TO BE AT THE INTERVIEW TOO; JUST TO EXPERIENCE IT TOGETHER.

THANK YOU.

YAMEY.

Hi Yamey,

I think it's fine to go to the interview. I would go if I could. Actually I was hoping when I made plans to go there in December that our interview might be during my visit.

I, too, really appreciate the support of this forum and especially from those with loved ones in Cuba. The rules for the rest of the world don't always apply there.

Happy New Year and best wishes.

Pocamuela

Hi to all with Cuban fiances.

Just back. Was there for 17 days - my last visit till we can go together. Couldn't wait to check this site and see how you all are progressing. Best to all in the New Year!

Went to Interests Section with some questions. Not hard to get in and speak to Consul. Showed up in the morning, filled out a form and was told to come back at 3. When I came back I waited only about 10 minutes. Saw no other Americans there and felt really bad to see the Cubans waiting and waiting ans waiting to deliver or pick up documents or for their interviews. Spoke to a Consul and 2 lesser officials - all very nice and happy to answer my questions. Also gave me an email address to contact them since it's so difficult to call from here: consularhavana@state.gov

One of my questions had to do with the chequeo medico. My fiance showed me his and it was 2 or 3 loose pages with no envelope. Nowhere in the information packet did it specify that the results must be sealed. So when I told him that he went back to the hospital where he was told that they don't have the budget to buy envelopes! When I asked the Consul about this, he told me that the Interests Section sends them the envelopes which bear the seal of the US gov. He laughed and said, "That's a new one - I wonder what they're doing with the envelopes." He said nothing surprises him anymore. The medical form also has his carne # where they were supposed to put his passport # and a random 2-digit number where it asked for his alien case number. Has anyone else had problems with this???

Also, a Cuban friend who is interesed in learning English told me that he called the Interests Section and asked for the department of Prensa y Cultura and they sent a huge package with cassettes, books and bilingual materials to his house. The package arrived in a big truck within 3-4 days. Apparently they have materials at all levels.

My fiance and I spent many frustrating days seeking elusive documents - always difficult but more so during the holidays.

How are you all doing???

Pocamuela

Hi Pocamuela,

This is my first post on this message board. Happy New year to you and to others.

Thank you for the update and the information about getting materials to learn English from the Interests Section.

My fiance is actually going in the morning to pick up his packet. He was called last week to pick it up.

Until now I had no questions or any info to add concerning this process. Now that we are in Havana with this process I am nervous a little and he is also. He has some issues with his ID that concerns him. Cuba is strict on having the correct address listed on your ID. His address on his ID is not the same address of his house but he is in the process of getting it changed. Since it has not been corrected yet he is a little nervous about presenting it because they asked him to bring it to pick up the packet. I told him to just show his Passport and not worry about showing the ID unless they ask him for it.

I don't think it matters at the Consulate but he might have problems at other gov't locations when he starts getting all his documents. I wired him some money recently to help him with the process so hopefully he can complete his ID change.

You mention about getting other docs, which docs does he need other than the Police Cert, Birth Cert and the Medical? Was there other things listed on the instructions that is needed or were these just personal documents you were locating for yourselves? I guess my fiance will tell me when I call him tomorrow what he needs to obtain.

So did the consulate advise you of what to do about your medical docs? Did they want you to have them in a sealed envelope or will they accept the loose papers?

I can't wait to request his interview online so that I can guage how much longer before he can be here.

I wish you and your fiance the best in your journey as well as all others.

Faithful

My fiance had a similar address problem. I explained the situation at the Embassy and they said his legal address is fine even if he's not living there. They told me to be sure It seems that the Cuban side of the exit process is quite independent from the American side.

You probably already know this but he will also need 2 more passport photos, evidence of the relationship from the time of approval to the interview, the Affadavit of Support with Supporting documents, and the forms that he'll get in the package.

Good luck and keep me posted.

Pocamuela

Loosing my mind,

I'm going through a very similiar situation. I'm also pregnant, and I will be induced on Tuesday if I don't spontaneosly go into labor this weekend. You know you really need to try and find a peace of mind and just focus on the most important things during your pregnancy and your relationship right now. You know it was a harsh reality for me also when my fiance had his interview the last week of November only to find out that they put him on AP. It was so painful, i didn't even know what that meant. We were already purchasing the tickets and everything. The reality of the situation is that you really just have to find a place in your heart to foster patience. It hurts, it's painful, it's expensive (trust me calling Cuba is usually no cheaper than $2 a minute). The whole reason that i'm overdue has alot to due with this stressfull experience, wanting him to be at the birth of our first child...but frankly in my case that is just not going to happen and i'm finally at peace with that. How many months are you? If you are early in your pregnancy you shouldn't give up hope of having him here before the birth. Don't give up hope remember that now you have an innocent child in the middle of this situation and he/she needs the both of you to be strong so he/she can develop in a healthy state of mind. Trust me I know exactly what you are going through. My case was expedited in the begining through Faxes by my Doctor and Lawyer just to get the interview early (which is merely impossible in Cuba) and we got. it..only to fall in AP. Please don't give up hope...lean on family and friends for the pregnancy. You will get through this...you must believe that!!! Remember you are never alone...you will be surprised what you might find when you read the stories of the people on VJ, not everyone has the easy visa journey, but in the end the vast majority get reunited with their loved ones....it's just all about patience. Take care of yourself..especially for the baby!!

cubanlovestory

I read of a successful expedite once because of a pregnancy, but the mother was the immigrant, not the USC.

Hi to all with Cuban fiances.

Just back. Was there for 17 days - my last visit till we can go together. Couldn't wait to check this site and see how you all are progressing. Best to all in the New Year!

Went to Interests Section with some questions. Not hard to get in and speak to Consul. Showed up in the morning, filled out a form and was told to come back at 3. When I came back I waited only about 10 minutes. Saw no other Americans there and felt really bad to see the Cubans waiting and waiting ans waiting to deliver or pick up documents or for their interviews. Spoke to a Consul and 2 lesser officials - all very nice and happy to answer my questions. Also gave me an email address to contact them since it's so difficult to call from here: consularhavana@state.gov

One of my questions had to do with the chequeo medico. My fiance showed me his and it was 2 or 3 loose pages with no envelope. Nowhere in the information packet did it specify that the results must be sealed. So when I told him that he went back to the hospital where he was told that they don't have the budget to buy envelopes! When I asked the Consul about this, he told me that the Interests Section sends them the envelopes which bear the seal of the US gov. He laughed and said, "That's a new one - I wonder what they're doing with the envelopes." He said nothing surprises him anymore. The medical form also has his carne # where they were supposed to put his passport # and a random 2-digit number where it asked for his alien case number. Has anyone else had problems with this???

Also, a Cuban friend who is interesed in learning English told me that he called the Interests Section and asked for the department of Prensa y Cultura and they sent a huge package with cassettes, books and bilingual materials to his house. The package arrived in a big truck within 3-4 days. Apparently they have materials at all levels.

My fiance and I spent many frustrating days seeking elusive documents - always difficult but more so during the holidays.

How are you all doing???

Pocamuela

Good luck with your interview and relax, enjoy the holidays You are one step closer!

Thank you all for your encouragement and support. It means sooooo much! I told my fiance last night that the interview isn't till March and he is devastated but I will be there in a couple of days and that's all I can think about for right now. Looking on the bright side, at least he won't get here in the middle of winter!

Good luck to you all and Happy Holidays!

Pocamuela

I don't know whether to feel relieved or disappointed. After being told that there were "no interivew appointments available at this time" I'm glad that we were given an interview date but it's not until March 8 and of course we were hoping it would be sooner. I think the hardest part isn't waiting for him but waiting without knowing for sure that his visa will be approved. There is no reason he should be denied but of course you never know, and then there's the Cuban side.... I am truly grateful that things have gone so quickly till now. Just tired of worrying and waiting all the time.