MeryAsawa

We don't have a vaccination record to enroll my daughters in the public school. How can we get a copy of the shots they just received for the immigration process?

Because we filled out the form wrong in part 3 we will be taking new original I-864's (which is what's causing this question in the first place). So I'm just going to include the household size page done two different ways and they can pick which one they want at the interview. Will let you know what is said in the interview if I can.

Thanks for all the help!

Just called the NVC with this, and he clearly didn't know the answer too. His voice was shaky and said for dependents it should be... 2... no you couldn't claim them as dependents on taxes... 0... I guess. Haha awesome. I don't want you to guess.

I'm confused about household size. Here's the situation. Wife and two stepchildren. Three separate I-130's so no derivatives. They are not in the US, so my wife and I are not able to claim my stepdaughters as dependents on taxes. I've seen this situation on here answered these two ways.

On Wife's case:

For Wife: From Part 3 = 1; Myself = 1; dependent children = 0 Total = 2 (since they aren't dependents and are on separate cases)

For Each Kid: From Part 3 = 1; Myself = 1; Spouse = 1; dependent children = 0 Total = 3 (since the other daughter is not part of this case )

OR

For Wife: From Part 3 = 1; Myself = 1; dependent children = 2 Total = 4 (this is logical, but doesn't seem to apply as they are separate cases, and possibly technically not dependents)

For Each Kid: From Part 3 = 1; Myself = 1; Spouse = 1; dependent children = 1 Total = 4 (again this is logical, but doesn't seem to apply as they are separate cases, and possibly technically not dependents)

I believe option 1 is correct, though counterintuitive. I clear the income requirement for 4 so I'd love to just give the higher number but I want to do this right.

No. They are NOT listed in Part 3; that is only for derivative beneficiaries (and there can be no derivative beneficiaries in the Immediate Relative category). The form specifically says not to include people on a separate petition.

newacct is correct. I filed three I-130's for my wife and two stepchildren. I had to redo the I-864's because I listed my daughters on their mother's part 3 etc. I they are actually a derivative then they would be listed.

This is related to my Conflicting Instructions post. I was told by the Manila Embassy to have my wife submit an I-864a on my daughters' cases (apparently because we jointly filed our tax return in 2014?) I have a question in to them about if that is accurate because it is directly contradicted in the instructions, but for the purposes of this post we'll just accept it.

So what do we report for income? All of the income came from my W2 and a small bank account in my name only, and we didn't report any assets. So for 2014 do I put our joint income or zero? We don't really have any assets in her name either. They are okay with zeroes all the way down?

Sorry last clarification on my own post. I was the only income earner, though my wife and I did file jointly in 2014 and 2015. And there are no co-sponsors. Everything I'm seeing about the I-864a doesn't appear to apply.

Sorry for the bad cut and paste job. I called the Manila embassy and the operator said that the reason we got that email is they reviewed our case and determined they wanted these items, so if it said I-864a then they want I-864a. Now... I have no idea if that is an actual problem or if it's just the lady answering the phone.

Sorry for the bad cut and paste job. I called the Manila embassy and the operator said that the reason we got that email is they reviewed our case and determined they wanted these items, so if it said I-864a then they want I-864a. Now... I have no idea if that is an actual problem or if it's just the lady answering the phone.

The below issue is a question of whether I actually need the I-864a that the embassy is telling me, or the I-864 that the NVC considered fine (with corrections.) They also made no mention of including W-2 since I had transcripts. Luckily, I sent the W-2 anyway.

We received a checklist on the AoS and were instructed to fix section 3. I did that for my wife and two stepchildren. And sent my wife the corrected and signed I-864 and all the original documents. Here's the checklist:

Form I-864: Assessment Letter for ______<My Name>_____________________________

The National Visa Center (NVC) recently reviewed your I-864 Affidavit of Support form. The

Affidavit of Support form had one or more sections with missing or incorrect information or

was missing required supporting documents, or both.

Please review the instructions below to complete a new Affidavit of Support form or to obtain

the missing supporting documents. Send the corrected Affidavit of Support form or original

documents that are missing to the principal applicant so he or she can take them to the

immigrant visa interview. You should also send photocopies of the Affidavit of Support form

to the principal applicant for each traveling family member to take to the visa interview.

Failure to take the original documents and copies for each traveling family member to the visa

interview can cause processing delays. The Consular Officer will review the corrected form

and documents at the time of the interview.

You do not need to contact the NVC at this time. Also, do not send an updated I-864 Affidavit

of Support form or documents to the NVC. After we schedule the immigrant visa interview, we

will send you an appointment letter.

If you need a new I-864 Affidavit of Support form, you can find it at uscis.gov/forms.

[x] In Part 3. Information on the Immigrant(s) you are sponsoring, please correct the following...

[x] Items 3.a. through 27. This case's visa category does not allow accompanying family members; therefore, you

cannot list family members in this section.

So I corrected the I-864 and now we get this email from "Manila, IV Process" <IVMNLProcess@state.gov>, just 2 weeks before the interview.

Congratulations on your upcoming immigrant visa interviews. Your files are now with the U.S. Embassy in Manila and we have had a chance to review them. Based on our reviews, you need to bring the following documents with you to your interviews:

Steps 2-6 are contingent on a CO deciding to issue a visa at the interview.

You don't interview in the US (i.e. you're not missing an important step).

Ah thanks, it doesn't make any sense to me that they aren't interviewing us both to compare answers but I won't complain. And yes of course they could be denied at the interview or need more info. Thanks!

I'll echo what has been said previously. It is highly unlikely (almost impossible) there will be any changes in the next year until the new president takes office in Jan 2017. Even if it were all Democrats or Republicans it would be unusual for them to take action very quickly. And there would be a grace period for applications in process.

What you hear is mostly people talking tough to get elected. No one really wants to do much on immigration because one group or another will get mad. And they are mostly concerned with illegal immigration anyway, legal immigration should actually get better. All that's likely to happen is slightly longer processing times if people get scared and there are a lot of applications.

Some of the candidates are talking about Muslims and that likely isn't even legal to pass that kind of law (the Supreme Court would decide.) But I wouldn't be surprised if there are better background checks. That could add a few months to the process. But, if they pass that hopefully they shorten it in other areas.

So I'm a bit confused about what happens with an IR-1 interview. My wife and daughters have an interview on March 16th in Manila, but I'm still in the US. Do I to do an interview too in the US? I don't understand how there isn't.

Here's my understanding:

1. They've passed medical so they go to interview

2. In a week or so they receive mail with sealed envelopes (that we don't open) and passports

3. Check the visa for errors

4. At this point we pay the ELIS

5. Book plane tickets

6. Travel here and have brief interview and processing

Is that it? Am I missing something important?

It sounds like yes he could definitely use a driver's license. But the most important thing will be getting more comfortable speaking English and talking to people he doesn't know. Those are really two different things.

My job has me work in a manufacturing and shipping setting. We have 40-50% immigrants working there and they are from all over the world. English fluency ranges from very good to very poor. So yes those jobs definitely exist. I've worked with them as coworkers, as their leader, and had some as leaders.

I had one employee who was was telling me he was struggling with his English. He spent most of his time with his ethnic group and felt very awkward and quiet outside of it. His English was actually fine, we could speak with little problem. He had a moderate accent and sometimes had to stop and think about how to say what he wanted. So I gave him two pieces of advice. 1) Smile and say hi to people. 2) Asking a question gives people a chance to talk. Well about a week later he came back to me very happy. He said it was hard the first few times. But most people smiled back and said hello. And when he asked questions his coworkers were happy to answer him, and it had led to a few good conversations. By the next year (I was there seasonally) he was really part of the group. He was a good worker, well liked, and his accent had lessened.

So I'd say to your husband pretty much the same thing. Smile and say hello to people in stores, in the neighborhood, cashiers, etc. Don't take it personal if they don't respond much, they might have a sick kid at home or be busy. It's impossible to know what they are thinking. If you are open and friendly with people they will be with you. Actually using the language with a lot of different people is what will get you to improve.

Thank you. Teeak that was my understanding on both those points.

We are in the last day before submitting our AoS and IV package. I think I know but two question:

1) Do I need to include a printout of the DS-260 even though it is electronically submitted?

2) I believe this is needed for the embassy step, but should I include a copy (or original) of the biological father's permission to travel?

Update: Our case was approved in just under 2 months and I did it exactly like the way I updated. For clarity, I'll put it here. It was three separate packets in the same envelope.

A. Section for Wife

1. Check for $420

2. Cover letter for wife

3. I-130 for Wife

4. Proof of my citizenship

5. Copy of Marriage Certificate

6. G325-a for Me

7. Photo of Me

8. Copy of G-325a for Wife

9. Photo for Wife

10. Evidence of Bonafide Marriage

B. Sections for stepdaughter 1

1. Check for $420

2. Cover Letter Specific to Daughter 1

3. I-130 for daughter 1

4. Proof of my citizenship

5. Copy of Marriage Certificate (child is under 18)

6. Proof that both spouses prior marriages terminated (Not applicable to us)

7. Copy of Birth Certificate for Daughter 1 (this is the bonafide relationship proof since filing with wife)

C. Sections for stepdaughter 2

1. Check for $420

2. Cover Letter Specific to Daughter 2

3. I-130 for daughter 2

4. Proof of my citizenship

5. Copy of Marriage Certificate (child is under 18)

6. Proof that both spouses prior marriages terminated (Not applicable to us)

7. Copy of Birth Certificate for Daughter 2 (this is the bonafide relationship proof since filing with wife)

good afternoon Maryasawa... I need to do similar forms for my wife and my 6 year old stepdaughter.... have you gotten any more feedback on exactly what to include in your packet.... is it as you have outlined in red... with some lines crossed out?

I haven't heard specifically whether I have it right now. But looking at Darnell's last reply it looks like I do.

My research has shown that they definitely do want it separate. So separate cover letter and checks for all three and they want the separated in the package with clips of rubber bands.

My only nervousness is that I have enough proof. I may chicken out and add a few pics of the girls with me

(double post)

on wife's packet, restudy the I-130 instructions, fob over as much bonafide marriage evidence that you have or can generate from the listed 6 types in the instructions.

Thanks Darnell. It's more than a little frustrating that the instructions don't specifically mention the bonafide marriage/relationship proof considering part 8 specifically references stepchildren. I did find the following post where there was a delay for not showing a bonafide relationship. That's easy enough, just a lot of copying. I feel better. It's not like the girls aren't peppered throughout the proof anyway.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/406530-uscis-asking-for-documents-after-sending-i-130-for-stepson/

Okay so I definitely had some of this wrong. There do need to be three separate filings (and can be sent in the same box.) I'll quote from the I-130 instructions at the end. It appears to me that I don't need substantial amount of the info including all G325a, photos, bona-fides. Doest this look right now?

I am filing an I-130 (to result in an IR-1) for a wife and two stepdaughters ages 9 and 7. I'm having trouble finding info about the procedure of the actual packet. The question becomes what if anything should be combined or do I need three completely standalone applications in one box? Here is what I was planning:

A. Section for Wife

1. Payment I thought $1260 (should this be separate or combined e.g. three checks for $420 or one for $1260?)

1. Check for $420

2. Cover letter

3. I-130 for Wife

4. Proof of my citizenship

5. Copy of Marriage Certificate

6. G325-a for Me

7. Photo of Me

8. Copy of G-325a for Wife

9. Photo for Wife

10. Evidence of Bonafide Marriage

B. and C. Sections for each stepdaughter

1. Check for $420

2. Cover Letter Specific to Daughter

3. I-130 for daughter

4. Proof of my citizenship

5. Copy of Marriage Certificate (and it's before they are 18)

6. Proof that both spouses prior marriages terminated (Not applicable to us)

7. Copy of Birth Certificate

(wasn't planning separate check or cover letter)

1. I-130 for her daughter

2. Copy of Marriage Certificate

3. Copy of G-325a for daughter

4. Photo for daughter

5. Copy of Birth certificate showing she is my wife's child, and still under 18.

(wasn't planning on providing g-325a, additional photo of me, or any additional evidence)

Thanks so much in advance. This is already tying my stomach in knots

This is from the I-130 Instructions:

What Documents Do You Need to Prove Family Relationship?

You have to prove that there is a family relationship between you and your relative. If you are filing for:

1. A spouse, submit the following documentation:

1. A copy of your marriage certificate.
2. If either you or your spouse were previously married, submit copies of documents showing that all prior marriages were legally terminated.
3. A passport-style color photo of yourself and a passport- style color photo of your spouse, taken within 30 days of the date of this petition. The photos must have a white background and be glossy unretouched and not mounted. The dimensions of the full frontal facial image should be about 1 inch from the chin to top of the hair. Using pencil or felt pen, lightly print the name (and Alien Registration Number, if known) on the back of each photograph.
4. A completed and signed Form G-325A, Biographic Information, for you and a Form G-325A for your spouse. Except for your name and signature you do not have to repeat on Form G-325A the information given on your Form I-130 petition.
5. ... (the rest documents ways to show bonafide marriage)

8. Stepparent/Stepchild: If your petition is based on a stepparent-stepchild relationship, you must file your petition with a copy of the marriage certificate of the stepparent to the child's natural parent showing that the marriage occurred before the child's 18th birthday, copies of documents showing that any prior marriages were legally terminated and a copy of the stepchild's birth certificate.

I am filing an I-130 (to result in an IR-1) for a wife and two stepdaughters ages 9 and 7. I'm having trouble finding info about the procedure of the actual packet. The question becomes what if anything should be combined or do I need three completely standalone applications in one box? Here is what I was planning:

A. Section for Wife

1. Payment I thought $1260 (should this be separate or combined e.g. three checks for $420 or one for $1260?)

2. Cover letter

3. I-130 for Wife

4. Proof of my citizenship

5. Copy of Marriage Certificate

6. G325-a for Me

7. Photo of Me

8. Copy of G-325a for Wife

9. Photo for Wife

10. Evidence of Bonafide Marriage

B. and C. Sections for each stepdaughter

(wasn't planning separate check or cover letter)

1. I-130 for her daughter

2. Copy of Marriage Certificate

3. Copy of G-325a for daughter

4. Photo for daughter

5. Copy of Birth certificate showing she is my wife's child, and still under 18.

(wasn't planning on providing g-325a, additional photo of me, or any additional evidence)

Thanks so much in advance. This is already tying my stomach in knots