truelove29

You don't have to send your spouses birth certificate at this stage, but you will at the NVC stage, along with an English translation. I sent a copy of my spouses passport with the I-130, but it's not required. You should try to send your packet as complete as possible, but most likely if something is missing you'll get an RFE. Good luck

I just checked too...i don't know whats happening! I had to print the forms to hand write certain info in and to sign it. I don't know why when I scan it, its getting so large

Sorry if this has been asked...but I've searched everywhere, and I can't figure out how to compress these PDF files! The new CEAC system doesn't allow anything over 2MB. All of my pdf's need to be resized. Some are as big as 10mb. How are people compressing the I-864 down to 2mb???? Please help!

Yes exactly, you will not mail anything to NVC, all documents will be uploaded only. A lot of embassies are switching over to this system...so that means yours is one of them. 

Yes, they are asking for passport type photos. I believe some people attached a word doc stating "will bring photos to interview" & that worked fine.
 
As for divorce decree, I did not submit mine to NVC, I only uploaded what was listed as required (I'm the petitioner), but I gave my husband a certified copy to take to the interview. I think the instructions you're looking at haven't been updated for the new CEAC system.
 
i didn't add any proof of relationship to CEAC, but my husband brought photos & copies of our passport stamps to the interview, which they didn't even look at. But definitely good to have at the interview, I wouldn't bother uploading that. 
 
Good luck! 😊

I appreciate all advice! However, as we all know, the system changes constantly! So for some, it's not required to mail anything at all anymore. Sounds crazy, but they are evolving. I've paid both fees, we completed the ds-260...and then it unlocks a tab to upload all documents...so I've uploaded I-864, tax transcripts...plus all civil docs including birth certificate, criminal report, military records, marriage certificate, etc. They label everything, so you just click on the tab that says "criminal report" & then upload it. I know there are longtime members on here & I really appreciate everyone's advice...but the system changes so frequently, that what one person went through a year ago could be totally different to what people have to deal with now.

When I walked into the office there were application forms for social security numbers on the guards desk. If you feel the office is going to be difficult why not have a form filled out before you get called to the window. It's very basic information, name date of birth, place of birth and parents names, also what's the immigration status of the applicant, make sure to bring their passport with the visa in it.

Ok thank you!

Thank you, I'll look into this!

Thanks everyone! I had my POE at Houston earlier today with zero issues for the whole trip. As you all said, I had nothing to worry about 😊

Mine was in Administrative Processing for less than 24 hours before changing to "Issued". It's too soon to panic, you'll probably see it change in the next few days. Some do take longer, but most are within a few days.

Congrats and thanks for the info!  
 
We haven't decided if my husband would use JFK or PHL when that time comes.   I always use JFK when traveling to visit him because of the layovers from Philly but thats because I don't want extra travel time on vacation but for him coming home Philly would be less of a drive for me.  Nice to see JFK was a pretty smooth entry for you both!
 
 

I put "no" to that question.with explanation.."I will have it done at my medical appointment and take it to the interview."

My husband received his visa May 28th, but we waited until just after our 2 year anniversary to enter. We entered yesterday at JFK Airport in NY. We asked the first woman we saw in the customs area where to go...she said to the main visitors line & that I could go with him, which was great! Then we reached a second woman & she directed us to the first time visitors line. As we approached the officer he greeted us by saying hello in Turkish! We were so surprised! He was so nice, asked if we had the sealed envelope...we said no & showed the paper we had that said our case was electronic. He said ok great. He processed my passport first very quickly. Then had my husband do his fingerprints on the machine & take a photo. I told him that our 2 year anniversary just passed & it should be an IR-1 green card...he said ok no problem. Then he stamped the passport & said this is good for one year & the passport will come within one year. The whole thing took less than 5 minutes!! So our visa journey is officially over...on to the next adventure together!!

My husband received his visa May 28th, but we waited until just after our 2 year anniversary to enter. We entered yesterday at JFK Airport in NY. We asked the first woman we saw in the customs area where to go...she said to the main visitors line & that I could go with him, which was great! Then we reached a second woman & she directed us to the first time visitors line. As we approached the officer he greeted us by saying hello in Turkish! We were so surprised! He was so nice, asked if we had the sealed envelope...we said no & showed the paper we had that said our case was electronic. He said ok great. He processed my passport first very quickly. Then had my husband do his fingerprints on the machine & take a photo. I told him that our 2 year anniversary just passed & it should be an IR-1 green card...he said ok no problem. Then he stamped the passport & said this is good for one year & the passport will come within one year. The whole thing took less than 5 minutes!! So our visa journey is officially over...on to the next adventure together!!

I've been wanting to write this for SO long!
 
After 10 and a half months stuck at Nebraska, two months in NVC and almost six months waiting after our CC to get an interview, it finally happened!
 
My interview appointment was stressful. There even was a point where the supervisor approached the officer and they closed the microphone. I thought I was going to faint. My case was a bit complicated and it looked weird on paper, but after explaining what happened things started to get a little better. Overall it took me 3 hours (two hours waiting and one hour of questioning!) but I fully understood it's their job and they just had to make sure everything was in order. Everyone was very nice and professional, and even being Juarez I've never felt unsafe. I have honestly nothing but nice things to say about the U.S consulate and even though the process is incredibly draining if you play by the rules and follow the requirements it's not that bad. 
 
561 days of documents, tears, long distance, money (oh, the money) the uncertainty. It was incredibly worth it just for this moment! to hug my husband waiting for me outside and dance with my little green paper. 
 
Thank you SO much, everyone, for helping me throughout the process. I couldn't have done it without you, since you helped me not only be prepared for the process but stay sane after it kept taking longer and longer. I am also aware it didn't take as long as others and it wasn't the most complex situation, so I'm counting my blessings and I feel very lucky that overall things went smoothly and I get to drive back with my love to Texas and start our lives together, almost two years after getting married yet so ready to start from scratch as newlyweds. 
 
I wish you all the best on your journey! you deserve to experience the same joy I'm experiencing. 
❤️ Lorena 
 

Good to know because I was considering it!

Not all countries do direct consular filing. We would have done that, but the embassy in Turkey does not offer that option.

Can confirmed that it is not needed. My wife was asked about sealed package at the POE and she told the officer that she didn't get one. That was it.

Both of those numbers are on the actual visa...so wait until you pick up the passport to pay the fee.

I believe because they file jointly it's recommended to have your mom fill out the I-864a. That's what I did...then you just need to show their proof of relationship (marriage certificate) & you have to provide proof of US citizenship & US domicile for both. So it's not a lot of extra paperwork to add. I also included their social security statements & pension statements.

Unless requested, you do not have to bring the I-130 or I-130a to the interview. My husband didn't.

Unless requested, you do not have to bring the I-130 or I-130a to the interview. My husband didn't.

Good lord people this is IR1/CR1 for a Cdn/Am couple, not ROC! The consulate doesnt expect newly weds to have wills etc... To be honest I cant remember the last time Montreal even asked about evidence at an interview. 
 
For the i-130 provide evidence of time spent together.  Since you lived together for a year, anything showing you lived at the same address, photos etc... will be most beneficial.  

This is a vague step, it had me scratching my head too because there were no instructions as to what they really meant. After seeing other VJ posts I uploaded a single passport-style photo (like you said, uploading 2 is redundant when filing electronically). It was accepted with no problem.