Jorge V

9 hours ago, Wild Sunflower said:

Yes I have and it doesn’t show a tracking #. I had my interview on Thursday the 22nd I got out around 11:30 am I checked to see if the visa was issued around 2:30 pm that same day and it said it had been issued and printed but I still haven’t seen an update on the ACS website, I went to the center today but they told me it closed at 1pm since it was Saturday. 

Relax, this is normal. Remember that the official estimated delivery time is 2 weeks. While most people get it before then some people have to wait. Yes, even if your visa has been issued you sometimes just  have to wait  Remember that this is the government so not everything is super fast. Have you ever bought something online only to have it delivered before the tracking number is even sent to you? Happens all the time. 

The fact that your visa has been issued is great so focus on that. What you're going through now is normal. In fact, there was a person asking the same thing just last week. She would ask every day and was very anxious. Sure enough she got her visa soon after. 

Have you logged in to the ACS website? You don't really get notified of the tracking number if I recall correctly, you have to login and check yourself. I think it took a handful of days for the tracking number to appear after the visa was issued, and since they ship it via overnight or 1-day shipping, we ended up getting the tracking number either the day of or the day before the package arrived.

1 minute ago, Cr7gb11 said:

I just called the uscis and they confirmed that a form either has to be hand written or typed. You can not mix both. So my only choices are to either hand write the whole thing or leave that field blank.  😔

That definitely goes against many peoples' experience on here. I was given the opposite answer (that you can mix and match). I mixed both and did not have any problems. As do many people on here (do a search for past threads).

6 hours ago, Khallaf said:

I left mine blank, and anything I couldn't fill out in pdf left blank also I had no problem.

While you should be ok with leaving blanks, I would like to point out that the official instructions for the I-130/I-130A state that you should answer all questions fully, writing in "N/A" or "None" where possible. Here's the quote from the document:

Quote

Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been married and the question asks, “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A,” unless otherwise directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None,” unless otherwise directed.

 

I would recommend doing this just to avoid any potential kickbacks from USCIS. While they can likely figure out what you meant by looking at the context, it's possible they may not know if you left a question blank because the it doesn't apply to you, or if you left it blank because you overlooked it.

1 hour ago, Cr7gb11 said:

Thanks for the advice guys.

But one thing is that the same address is listed in the physical address 1 field which already has "date to" field set to Present by default so Idk why they are making us write it again by saying "even if listed above"

There's a lot of redundancy in the form, some by design, others not so much. Don't overthink things, if two questions ask the same thing, then write the same answer for both. If one question will not allow you to fill in the answer you know to be true, then just print it out and hand write it in.

Add my name to the list of people who printed it out and wrote in "Present". I did this with other fields as well, and hand wrote 'N/A' on blank fields as the PDF editor wouldn't allow slashes.

7 hours ago, Kateybot said:

Is it a requirement for me or my partner to have a job lined up in the US? We would be able to prove savings and have my co-sponsor prove savings, income and a job. However, my partner and I do not have any jobs lined up yet. 

You do not need to have jobs lined up. You both could have $0 in income and $0 in savings and still get approved as long as your cosponsor meets the financial requirements.

That said, you (the US citizen) are required to show intent to reestablish domicile. This is what the official I864 instructions say on the matter:

Quote

You intend in good faith to reestablish your domicile in the United States no later than the date of the intending immigrant’s admission or adjustment of status.

 

You must submit proof that you have taken concrete steps to establish that you will domicile in the United States at a time no later than the date of the intending immigrant’s admission or adjustment of status. Concrete steps might include accepting a job in the United States, signing a lease or purchasing a residence in the United States, or registering children in U.S. schools. Please attach proof of the steps you have taken to establish domicile as described above.

 

Having a job lined up in the US helps meet this the domicile requirement, but it is not absolutely necessary. If you show other evidence, such as a lease, moving quotes, opening or maintaining bank accounts and credit cards, you should be OK.

The I864 will also ask you for last year's US tax return or transcript, and you may be required to show the last three years'. Have you been filing US taxes while abroad? Many expats do not realize that the US is one of only two or three countries that tax citizens on worldwide income. You are still required to file even if you live abroad and work for a non US company. You are not required to file for a given year if you made under the filing limit (somewhere around $10,000/year, but depends on the year itself). If you were not required to file taxes for a particular year the I864 will instead ask that you provide a letter explaining why.

17 hours ago, Vazquez520 said:

I looked up notarize.com and that is so neat.  Thank you very much for sharing I would have never known.  So they notarized the letter for you while you were in Mexico and they accepted the letter like that here in the US?

Yea they did. It goes back to the fact that a document notarized anywhere should be recognized as notarized in most other places, as long as the notary is licensed and proper procedures were followed. That said, different states do have different requirements so it's always best to ask. Notarize.com has this map that shows where in the US a document notarized with them is acceptable: https://notarize.com/availability/ . Seems that everywhere but Iowa.

I would double check with both the people from Notarize and possibly your lawyer or the government office in Tucson, but I think it would be allowed.

Ah ok, I'm understanding more. So he essentially has a form from the Tucson government that allows the lawyer to go in Julian's place, and Julian is currently in Mexico. It seems that the notary in Mexico is not comfortable notarizing something that he does not understand, or at the very least, is not in his official language. I actually had this happen to me, too. I had to get a letter notarized while I was living in Mexico. My predicament was that I needed it done quickly, but the two notaries I called said it would be 2-3 days because it would have to be translated.

My suggestion is to find one that specializes in documents that are in English. Or, you can do what I did and use https://notarize.com/ . They notarize documents via a video call. It's done entirely online and only costs $25 I think. Maybe that works for you.

I guess I'm just confused as to who needs what. So in short, you need his police record from Tucson, right? What documents does Tucson need to fulfill that request?

That seems to depend on the lawyer and/or Tucson, not so much the embassy. In general, a notarized document is recognized as notarized around the world. So it doesn't matter where or how it gets notarized, only that the notary is licensed. So if the notary in Mexico is charging too much, get a quote from another notary. In my experience business in Mexico will overcharge the minute they know you're paying in dollars. Don't tell them what it is or who you are, just that you want it notarized. If Tucson requires that the documents be translated, then get quotes from other translators. I've had some documents translated in Mexico and it was typically $100-$200 pesos per page ($5-$10 USD).

4 hours ago, kris&me said:

and how do they know the finance is not in the US?

i was traveling back with my husband after interview and visa approval

we could not get on the same plane and i had already booked round trip

my plane landed after his (i am USC)

my son picked him up and took him home 

i came in about 11 hours later

5 hours ago, Limey said:

She was in the USA, but I don't see how immigration would be able to know that

I imagine USCIS and CBP know easily enough whether or not a person is in the US, unless they sneak out. Obviously, when you arrive from abroad you go through inspection and your entry is logged in the system. That info should be immediately available to any CBP officer. So if the US citizen enters at 12:00 in NYC, and the fiance at 14:00 in Philadelphia, the system should easily be able to show that the US citizen spouse has entered. Whether they would go through all this trouble I don't know, but they do have the capability.

As far as the US citizen leaving the country, CBP also tracks that. Mexico and Canada share immigration information with the US, so if you drive to either country CBP will know. Airlines are required to pass along passenger information on trips exiting the US. That's why airlines ask you for your passport info when checking in or at the gate. This is also why the US doesn't have exit inspections (though that may change), yet still knows whether a tourist has or hasn't overstayed their visa. I'm not sure how it works for international travel via boat, but I imagine it's similar.

So in short, CBP is 100% aware whenever you leave the country by land or by plane, and presumably aware if you leave by boat. They are also definitely aware of when you enter the US, as you have to go through them. So unless you managed to sneak out of or into the country, the government (CBP, USCIS, etc), definitely knows whether or not you are in the US.

18 hours ago, Sophiazamora16 said:

Thanks! Fingers crossed he will respond!

If he doesn't, I would just contact the embassy directly. Or since you'll be there a couple of days before your interview anyway, just walk up to the info window and ask what you need, then go back to your hotel and get it.

3 hours ago, Sophiazamora16 said:

Thank you soo muchh!!! ☺️ One more question, what do they ask for at the info window to be able to get the letter? Can anyone get it for the beneficiary?

I'm actually not sure what you need. There's a user here who was able to get his letter through the info window, maybe he'll respond, @MrHanky

13 minutes ago, Sophiazamora16 said:

Is the packet 3 and appointment letter the same? Sorry I don’t know much. But thank you soo much for your response I feel a lot better. And yes i have medical on friday, I plan to arrive in Juarez on Wednesday so I should have plenty of time. 

Yep, packet 3 and appointment letter are the same so you're good there. I assume you also scheduled your biometrics appointment at ACS. If so then you're good to go, just remember to pick up your letter at the info window before any of your appointments. You'll need it for all 3. Here's a google street view of where you do that: https://www.google.com/maps/@31.6880652,-106.4056138,3a,63.2y,101.04h,91.51t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s_zn450b-MxkQNox-G6OaAA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 . Notice that there are two lines, the one on the left is the information window. The one on the right is the line to get in for your interview. Fortunately it's been my experience that the information window has few people in it, so you shouldn't have to wait long.

You can get your packet 3 letter printed at the information window at the Juarez office. This letter is the same one they mail you. During our interview, many people forgot their letter and would be directed to the information window to get it printed. So if you don't get it in time you'll definitely be able to get it printed there.

One thing to remember is that this letter is required for your medical. Have you made your medical appointment yet? If you live in the state of Mexico or Mexico City you must have your medical performed in Mexico City. Otherwise you'll need to do your medical in Juarez. The medical should be performed before your interview to avoid any problems or delays, typically 1-2 days before your interview. The medical cannot be performed without the letter so you'll have to get it printed before doing that. Fortunately the two approved clinics are right next to the embassy so that shouldn't be too bad.

2 minutes ago, Jorge V said:

 

Accidentally double posted 

3 hours ago, Brittani said:

I'm almost 100% certain you're actually not suppose to stay more than 90 days at a time for a visit. You can come back as long as you're not here for over 180 days within a year but keep that in mind if you overstay 90 days within one go when you go try to come back it's likely they will deny you.

Judging by your country (the UK), I believe you're referring to people traveling under the visa waiver program. Citizens of those countries can enter the US without previously applying for a visa and are allowed to stay visa free for up to 90 days. People from non visa waiver countries, such as the Ukraine, have to apply for a B1/B2 visa which generally allow for 180 days per visit, though this is at the CBP officer's discretion.

As far as someone with a B1/B2 staying over 90 days, it's been my experience that staying over 90 days--and even close to 180--is not a problem unless they try to do this repeatedly in a short amount of time. So someone who plans on staying 170 days might be allowed entry just fine, and if they don't return to the US for 1+ years, then they'll likely never face scrutiny. However, someone who plans to stay 170 days, leave the US, and then try to return for another 170 day trip only a few months later will likely get denied.

Hello to you, @RamirezUSA

The domicile requirement is definitely confusing if the US citizen lives abroad, whether doing DCF or not. Fortunately, it's not too difficult.

You and I actually have a similar case. I was living in Mexico right up until my wife was approved and we moved to the US together. I also have a job online, though I wasn't in grad school nor did I have a joint sponsor.

On our I-130 I wrote down my Mexico address. This is because we still had our apartment and when we filed we knew we were at least 3 months from moving. It also served as part of our bona fide marriage evidence as we had been living together at that address for a few years.

The I-864 comes later. You don't have to turn it in until your husband's interview, so that gives you some time. The form will ask for the petitioner's (your) mailing and physical address. Since I had all but setup my return to the US by this point, I opted to use my US address (actually my mom's) for both. The I-864 also asks for your country of domicile. I wrote down USA. My reasoning for using USA as my country of domicile was the following blurb in the official I-864 instructions (https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-864instr.pdf):

Quote

You intend in good faith to reestablish your domicile in the United States no later than the date of the intending immigrant’s admission or adjustment of status.

You must submit proof that you have taken concrete steps to establish that you will domicile in the United States at a time no later than the date of the intending immigrant’s admission or adjustment of status. Concrete steps might include accepting a job in the United States, signing a lease or purchasing a residence in the United States, or registering children in U.S. schools. Please attach proof of the steps you have taken to establish domicile as described above.

I prepared proof, including proof of employment (even though I work online), bank accounts, credit cards, a moving quote, a letter from my mom, and printed email correspondence with an apartment complex. My wife took all of this evidence with her to her interview, but in the end it proved to not be needed. She was never asked for it, and she even offered it to the officer, but he refused it.

Even if you do not consider your physical or mailing address to be in the US at the time of the interview, the official instructions allow you to specify your domicile as USA as long as you meet the above guideline. Here's another blurb:

Quote

If your mailing address and/or place of residence is not in the United States, but your country of domicile is the United States, you must attach a typed or printed explanation and documentary evidence indicating how you meet the domicile requirement. If you are not currently living in the United States, you may meet the domicile requirement if you can submit evidence to establish that any of the following conditions apply:

So in short, You should use your Mexican address on the I-130. If you've established your residence in the US before the interview, then use that address on the I-864. Otherwise, use your address in Mexico. Whichever way you go, you should answer the "Country of Domicile" question with "USA".

13 minutes ago, Jessicamanguila said:

Me and my son are from Mississippi. So my husband and I can't stay in mexico more that 6 months? If he has a green card. After two years he is gunna get his citizenship 

So it's possible that he might get his visa tomorrow or Monday since Monday is day 7 and tomorrow is day 5?

He's not eligible for citizenship until after 3 years assuming you were his petitioner. Assuming you guys have been married for less than 2 years then 2 years from now he'll have to apply for removal of conditions. This basically means he'll have to renew his green card.

You can stay in Mexico as long as they'll let you if you're a US citizen. If your husband wants to leave the US for more than 6 months at a time he'll have to apply for a reentry permit before he leaves. If he spends too much time outside of the US without a reentry permit he will be considered to have abandoned his residency and his green card might be revoked. Also keep in mind that in order to qualify for citizenship he would need to spend at least 18 months in the US out of the 3 years prior to to applying. So if during the next 3 years he spends 19 months in Mexico, he will not be eligible for citizenship at that time and he'll need to wait.

17 minutes ago, Jessicamanguila said:

So it's possible that he might get his visa tomorrow or Monday since Monday is day 7 and tomorrow is day 5?

One last time: NO ONE KNOWS. It might arrive tomorrow. It might arrive Monday. It might arrive February 23. It might arrive March 6th. 

7 minutes ago, Jessicamanguila said:

So it's possible that he might recieve his visa this week like Friday or monday?

Can me and my son go to mexico too and come back can we stay for a couple months up there?

Are you and your son US citizens or residents? If so, then there's no reason you couldn't stay and come back. Keep in mind that in your husband's case, he'll be a US resident, and US residents are expected to live primarily in the US. Going back to Mexico for 2 months should not be a problem, but anything over 6 months will likely lead to questioning upon your return and might cause problems.

8 minutes ago, Jessicamanguila said:

How long is juarez to veracruz?

Again, nobody knows. I think I'm done answering questions about shipping time. It might take 5 days. That's normal. It might take a month. Hey, that's normal too!

7 minutes ago, Jessicamanguila said:

When he gets his visa can you go to mexico and come back wheneveru want? I think he is getting his green card a couple weeks after he comes back.but can we go to mexico whenever we want with a visa?

Yes. When your husband gets his visa in the mail he'll also receive large manila envelope. He can't open this envelope, he has to present it unaltered at the airport or border. The corner of the envelope may arrive cut off, but that's ok.

So your husband arrive in the US, either at an airport or a land border, and he will present his Mexican passport, visa (the visa will be glued into his passport), and envelope. The CBP officer will stamp his passport. This stamp will serve as proof of his residency status, meaning he can use it for work and for traveling. If he wants, he can arrive in the US, get his passport stamped, and immediately go back to Mexico. All he has to do when he returns to the US is show the passport stamp. As you said he'll receive his green card in 2-4 weeks. After he receives it he'll use that to travel instead.

4 minutes ago, Jessicamanguila said:

They don't ship visas everyday? Did u get a visa from cuidad juarez?

I don't know. I don't know if anyone outside of consulate employees know when they ship visas.

We did our interview in Juarez and had the visa shipped to our home in Guadalajara, Jalisco. The visa took exactly 7 days to arrive and that was due to absolutely zero delays. This tells me that 7 days is the absolute quickest you can get it shipped. Guadalajara is a major city with a major airport. If we had lived in another city, even if it was close to Guadalajara, that would've added at least 1-2 days to the shipping time.

26 minutes ago, Jessicamanguila said:

why does it said that the case has been updated last yesturday and it says it's already printed out and available to be mailed and it still says issued

Who knows. Maybe the system is out of date. Or maybe they only ship visas on Thursdays. It could be anything and I wouldn't put too much weight behind it. Just sit back and wait, everything is fine. This is normal.

Just now, Jessicamanguila said:

The application status on the website said it's issued and its printed and available to be mailed. Then I sent an email to the consulate and an automatic email said that it was issued in Feb 9 the before his interview and then it said that he should receive it in a few more days at the dhl store. 

That's just normal. I'm not sure why you're expecting it to already have arrived. Since it's only been a week you are still well within the official estimate of 14 days. I doubt the consulate would take the time to even look into your case after only 5 days. I'd say start worrying if it doesn't come in after 3-4 weeks. Anything before that is just the standard shipping time.