Cheddar Cheeze

No, we didn't use a tax professional. I completed the original returns as Married Filing Separately back in February using H&R Block's software and completed the amended returns in the software as well. Because she was still living in Japan for the 2018 tax year we had to include a signed declaration that we wanted to treat her as a resident alien for the tax year and report her income in Japan. It was all covered by the foreign earned income exclusion so we had no additional tax liability.

I just submitted our amended returns (Federal and NY) on 9/18 after her Social Security card arrived. She already had a SSN from back in college working as an international student, but it was in her maiden name so we waited for the new card to come to make sure all names were in her married name. I'll update here after we get our additional refund.

We did it for our 2015 taxes.  I just had my CPA do the amendment. No issues took maybe 4-6 mo to get the refund back.

I have the same thought, and would like to hear from others.
I would have a tax prepare lead you though as you have several Federal and state forms to do.
You should have additional refund coming your way, I always look at my time and prepare cost to keep in mind.

Here. We filed for AOS from K1 on 18 March, Biometric appointment was on 19 April. Since then nothing happened. I read somewhere that the waiting period in California takes much more time than in all other states. Not sure, if that is right, but it seems so. Pretty frustrating. At least I'd love to get finally the EAD, so I could start to look for a job and getting my DL. Where in California are you living?

Thank you both. I had called CBP, and they said the same. They added, the reason why it was a different date is, since my wife arrived in the evening, the information will not be entered into their system until the next day. The date of entry will reflect that on the electronic I-94. 
 
The CBP officer said I can correct it if I wanted to, to be safe. I agreed. He was able to change the date as well as make a correction to my wife's full name while I was on the line.

I don't believe this is an issue to be concerned about.  Junrey's passport was stamped 10/23 but I-94 reports 10/24.  He arrived around midnight in Houston and I believe is the reason for the difference.  He has had no issues so far.  He has received SSN. Applied for AOS the first part of January and status is now "Ready for Interview". 

You should be fine. My wife also had different dates on her I-94 and passport stamp. Never had any issues getting SSN, and even at our GC interview the IO never asked about this.

That is very reassuring. Thank you for the clarification. I completely misunderstood when I first read it. This whole process got me freaking out over every little thing. 🤯

PS. Only the most recent year of tax forms is required. Three years of forms is optional. You write in your income from the three most recent years but you dont need to submit three years of tax forms.
Read page 5, questions 23 through 25 on the I864 very carefully.

The NVC requires Tax Return Transcripts to be uploaded to them for overseas Consular SPOUSAL visas. The NVC has nothing to do with the AOS application process. 
For AOS, you can still submit the most recent:
1) Complete Income Tax Forms (all pages and schedules) PLUS W2s
Or
2) Tax Return Transcripts 
 
 

I recommend if sending an actual ITR copy to send all pages and schedules plus all W2s.
I have seen many a CONFUSING RFE stating "you dont meet the 125%" simply because they were missing a page from the ITR. Ie if you dont provide the evidence they automatically assume you dont meet the 125%.

Hello VJ'ers
 
I've been doing a lot of researching about how my husband should file his taxes for 2018.

I moved here in Oct 2018 on a K1 fiancé visa from the UK, married in Nov 2018, filed for AOS in Dec 2018.
 
We want to file taxes "Married filing jointly" & i was under the impression from the pinned thread on this section of the forum, that i could be a spousal exemption.. but i just went onto IRS official website & it states there is "There are no personal exemption(s) for 2018." atall?!
 
Now im completely lost... we've scheduled an appointment at our nearest IRS office for me to obtain a ITIN (as SSA screwed up my application for SSN, whole different story, i have a thread about it on these forums if your curious)
 
Can anyone shed some light on this please?
 
Thanks in advance
 

 
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/9-tax-deductions-individuals-can-no-longer-claim-for-their-2018-taxes/

My husband came on a K1 fiancé visa in November and applied for his SSN in early December. We still hadn't received it and finally found out why today: DHS did not approve his SSN application because it has somehow confused his record with the record of someone in the US on a student visa. Since my husband's K1 visa expires in less than 2 weeks, we've been told that he cannot reapply for a SSN till work authorization is granted, which looks to be in May according to VJ timelines. 
 
Beyond the endless frustration with US gov services, I have two questions:
1. How do I file my taxes? I want to file as Married Filing Jointly because I will save a ton; however, the online tax filing software tells me that I can't file jointly without my spouse's SSN.
2. Will my husband be able to work immediately when he gets work authorization even if he won't yet have SSN?
 
Thanks for any advice. The employee at the SS office said this happens rarely--he's seen like 5 cases in his career. Super annoying that it happened to us. 

Hello everyone, I hope you are having a great day
When I was researching about what CFO is and its importance in this K1 visa process, I had a hard time because of few information available. Since I am done with it, I would like to share my experience.
Let me start by saying that the CFO Seminar is mandated by law. Therefore, we cannot escape it. Without the CFO sticker and certificate earned after attending the Seminar, one cannot successfully go out of the Philippines.
Lets start with the ULTIMATE FACTS:
WHAT is the CFO Seminar?
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2341:what-is-cfo-guidance-and-counseling-program&catid=110:frequently-asked-questions&Itemid=858
WHERE can we have the Seminar?
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2344:schedule-of-cfos-guidance-and-counseling-program-with-images&catid=110:frequently-asked-questions&Itemid=858
WHERE is the CFO building located?
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1345&Itemid=843
Suggestion: Use UBER to get there (whether in Manila or Cebu)
HOW much is the payment?
Php 400.00 as of July 04, 2016. Please check the CFO’s website http://www.cfo.gov.ph/ for the updated fee
WHAT are the steps to have an online appointment?
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2342:steps-with-images&catid=110:frequently-asked-questions&Itemid=858
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2390:gcis-faq-no-1&catid=110:frequently-asked-questions&Itemid=858
Now a narration of my very wonderful experience attending the CFO Seminar.
I scheduled by CFO Seminar 3 weeks in advance and without having my medical and interview yet. I wanted to make sure that I make the best out of the time I am waiting for the NVC phase to be done J. And oh yes, excited! I stayed in Josie’s (my super friend) condo located at Mandaluyong the night before July 4, 2016.

This is what the CFO appointment letter looks like. Print two copies.
I woke up 4:40am on the day of my interview. I brought with me all the documents I think I will need.My fiancée told me I am more than ready! Lol. But again, the burden of proof to prove that the relationship is real rests in us (in ME actually since I am the one who will be interviewed hahaha). Being in the legal field, I know it’s a game of documentary evidences plus how convincing are you in answering the questions. I left the condo 6:15am by taking advantage of the Uber service. (Uber is really my bestfriend whenever I am in Manila- saves your time, money and health- no air pollution exposure lols). I only paid Php 190.00 and arrived 6:40am.

The sign that I am in the right place.
Exactly 7:30am, the guard opened the office door. Those with appointment were asked to line up with the appointment letter and 1 valid id on hand. Those who did not have appointment and were NOT for k1 or spouse visa, they were asked to line up in the other door. The guard checked our documents one by one. He handed me an F id J He instructed me to proceed to third floor using the elevator.
There are two ladies in the third floor office. They will ask you if you have a visa or not. If you have a visa, they will give you two forms to fill out. If you do not have your visa yet, they will give you one form to answer.

This is the form and the ID i got.
No need to worry where to write because there are sufficient tables and chairs where you can write. Look at my tableJ. The room is nice and clean and cold. On top of that, the two ladies are very nice and accommodating.

Thats the desk where I filed up the form. And oh yes, I got two plastic envelopes full of documents
So I was done answering the forms. I submitted it to the lady who gave me the form together with the necessary attachments. Please remember to submit the form together with your passport (if you already have the visa), a photocopy of your birth certificate, CENOMAR (for k1), Certificate of Marriage (if married) and two photocopies of valid IDs. After the lady is done checking my form and attachments, she advised me that my room number for the seminar is room number one USA. It is just inside the room. There is a label in the door.

This is the label - USA!

This is the Seminar Room
After, she will ask you to go to the lady in her right to take a picture of you. The lady verified the birth date of my fiancée’s before taking the picture. (So I highly suggest memorize by heart the birth date of your love and other basic information!)After, she will ask you if you like the picture. If you say no, she will take it again. I said the first take is perfect. Lols. It was after the seminar that I learned that the picture will be used for the Certificate. (The Certificate’s validity is FOREVER. If you lost it, you will pay php800 and you have to wait 5 working days to get it. AND oh, NO RUSH request allowed. Strictly 5 working days!) So it was still 8am when I finished the forms and picture taking. I was advised to take my breakfast since the seminar is from 9-12noon.
There is a small canteen next to the building. The food is not so yummy but pricey. I paid php160 for a noodles, fish & rice. The chopusey in the picture is not mine. It’s Imee’s.
At 8:45am we went back the building and took the elevator to the 3rd floor. We waited inside the seminar room. The lady to whom I submitted the form and attachments is our facilitator. She gave us a very good background of what the seminar is all about. Basically, it is for our protection. She gave details and even gave her email so we can reach her. She talked about the different faces of Domestic Violence and real life stories she encountered from fiancées’ and spouses. (It was not to scare us but to inform us that things happen and how to deal with them).
At around 9:30am, we had a group activity. We were asked to count of to determine who belongs in group 1 and group 2. She flashed four questions in the projector screen. The questions were all about marriage- your goals, your anticipated challenges, your preparation in dealing with challenges and your plans. Each individual will discuss his or her opinion in the group. The group will select a reported who will discuss the answers in front. While the group activity is ongoing, the facilitator will call each individual for a one on one interview. I was called second.
Good news - there is nothing to fear with the one on one interview. As long as you know your spouse, your relationship is legitimate, you answer her questions responsively, clearly and honestly, everything will be perfect. My interview only took around 3minutes. Her questions were:
A. What is the complete name of your fiancée?
B. Where did you first meet?
C. How many times he visited in the Philippines and when?
D. What do you like most about your fiancée?
E. Do your parents personally know your fiancée?
I just answered all the questions straight forward. No follow up questions. She said she do not have any further questions and asked me to call the next person in the room.
TIP: If you satisfactorily answered the questions, she will not ask for any further proof or documentation. Some failed to do so. They were asked to provide pictures and other documents. Also, she takes notes while you answer J and she will ask again the same question in the middle of the interview for verification. Also, according to the interviewer, even if they sense that you are lying, they will proceed with the interview but will not release your certificate and have you under investigation. Therefore, if you do not really know the person you will be marrying or you are paid or forced by your parents or somebody to do it or you falsified or you know that the documents are falsified- tell the interviewer. She can greatly help and give you protection.
At 9:45 am we had the group discussion. It was a simple yet fruitful one. After the two groups presented, she talked about the papers you need to bring for your flight. She also discussed quickly about the K1 process and the spouse visa process. The Seminar ended at around 11:20am in the morning. I took a picture of the facilitator J
When we left the seminar room, a lady distributed a brochure. This includes some of the topics discussed and some additional relevant information.
After receiving the brochure, she will tell you to proceed to the ground floor Cashier 1 to pay the fee of php400.00. No need to rush. The cashier will call you one by one and get the payment in exchange of the receipt. After such, she will ask you to wait for your name to be called for your certificate. It only took 5 minutes from payment to getting the certificate.

This is the receipt, certificate and a little note I got from them!
I left the CFO office 11:53am in the morning.
Thanks and I hope this will be of help.

I am shaking, I'm so excited - My fiancé and I got approved!!
 
NOA1 - Nov 7
NOA2 - May 22
 
I received an email this morning from the new website and it was updated when I got there! I'm about to cry from happiness - we're going to be able to get married on our planned date at the end of September without any clouds hanging over our heads! Praise God!!

We was Approved
 
NOA1 November 1st
NOA2 22nd May 
 
202 days OMG I'm so happy good luck everyone I'm still rooting for you all and I'm going to run scans and still post funny Gifs
 
 
 

Guys after 203 days @Gama and I have been approved!!!!! 

APPROVED!!
It felt like I'd never be able to write this.
Nov. 6 on old, 8 on new.
No email or text or update of any kind (maybe the case tracker? I never used it). I just logged into the new site and saw.
God is good. We'll all get there.
I'll update my timeline! Good luck everyone!!
 

Thanks. There's already alot of activity to begin the week. Keep your head up. 
 
I'm really hoping alot of you November filers get approved soon.

Thanks. There's already alot of activity to begin the week. Keep your head up. 
 
I'm really hoping alot of you November filers get approved soon.

Thanks. There's already alot of activity to begin the week. Keep your head up. 
 
I'm really hoping alot of you November filers get approved soon.

Thanks. There's already alot of activity to begin the week. Keep your head up. 
 
I'm really hoping alot of you November filers get approved soon.

Congrats.. We're starting to melt.  Nov 10 old site/Nov 13 new site.... Still havent heard anything.. So sad

Nov 14 old website and Nov 16th new 
Still have yet to see any movement on our case. Sorry this isn't a happy post. I've just been reading so many people's posts about feeling awful while waiting and wanted to share that you guys are not alone. While I am genuinely happy for everyone who has gotten approved, it does sting a little that people who applied after us have already been approved. I know it's not anyone's fault but USCIS, it just sucks nonetheless. To all the people posting how down they feel, please try to hang in there. I know what it feels like to wake up every morning and the first thing I do is check our status and every morning has been a disappointment. Im just trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel, that we are so close. Just hang on a little longer and soon we will all be reunited with the people we love. Every single day that passes is one day closer to being together. I keep telling myself that if my fiance and I can survive 8 years of long distance, we can get through anything USCIS throws our way, that in the grand scheme of things this will feel like the blink of an eye years down the road. It is always so hard when you are passing through the storm to remember what clear skies looked like, but try to hold onto each other. I truly believe that love conquers all. Im trying to look at this part of our lives as another hurdle we have to pass. Every day that passes that we don't receive that approval letter has been more and more difficult, I've cried the past couple of months more than I have my whole life. I know that if we can get through this, we can make it through anything. So, sorry for this long sappy post that was really just about my current mood. I just hope it helps other people here to know that you are not alone in feeling this way. We will all get through this and hopefully this week will be our week. Sending all of you love and hugs from one miserable November filer to another.