Oban

Hi all!

We finally got an infopass appointment for Frankfurt. Don't get me wrong, I am not talking about an interview... we "just" want to hand in our I-130. Regarding that a few questions...

- What do we have to bring along? The I-130 + all necessary attachments, right?

- The first part of the DS-230?

- How long are the waiting times? Our appointment is around 10 AM. When should we arrive? Around 9ish? Earlier?

- Do we have to wait in line for non-US-citizen, or can we go into the US-citizen line?

- What do we have to expect at the USCIS? Do we have to walk in and say "we would like to hand in our I-130"?. Or will the officer ask questions, etc etc?

I am a bit nervous. Any advice would be great!

Thanks in advance!

Best regards,

Oban

Hi all!

My wife is filing the I-864 these days. She has definitely not enough income, so my dad in law will be my co-sponsor.

I just need a confirmation that I am calculating right:

The household of my dad in law is 4 (himself, his wife, the little sister of my wife + MYSELF). The poverty guidelines says for a household size of 4 = USD 20,650. But he would need 125% of that, right? That would be USD 25,812.50.

I am right?

What about all this "multiplied by 3 or 5 times" etc? Is that just for assets? I am sure his income would easily meet the above mentioned 25k! Do we need more? Do I need to multiply it by 5 times (USD 129,062.50?!?!?!)???

Please help! Thank you in advance!

Cheers,

Oban

HEY!! Good news for the Frankfurt applicants

Via E-Mail:

FROM: "Frankfurt, USCIS" <uscis.frankfurt@dhs.gov> 10:02 am (10 minutes ago)

TO: ..................

DATE: Aug 29, 2007 10:02 AM

SUBJECT: RE: filing I-130 / Question regarding requirement

As long as you have a residence permit that is not expired, you can file with us. There is no 6 month rule.

USCIS FRANKFURT

I would say: sounds good!

a happy,

Oban

Sorry for kidnapping this thread, but I have a question regarding the 6 months rule:

Is that valid for all countries? For DCF in general?

Because my wife is in Germany since end of May 07 and just got her stay permit. Before, she stayed as a visitor. Is that a problem? Or is that a non-issue to Frankfurt? Because I read a lot of time lines which said that a lot of couples got married and filed just 1-2 weeks later.

Please advice!

Thank you,

Oban

Sorry again for kidnapping. I tried to get some information via uscis.gov (for the Frankfurt office). I've found the following:

Immediate Relative Immigrant Petitions (Form I-130):

Locally resident U.S citizens or lawful permanent residents may file Form I-130 by coming to the office on a walk-in basis or by mail. Normal processing time is six weeks. Petitions are commonly filed with the Frankfurt office for: 1) spouses or children of U.S. citizens, 2) spouses or children of lawful permanent residents in the U.S. military; and 3) parents of U.S. citizens. This information will focus on filing petitions for spouses.

Who May File in Frankfurt

* military and civilian members or the U.S. Armed Forces with orders to Germany

* U.S. citizens residing in Germany. You must be able to produce a residency permit for Germany.

The filing fee can be paid in U.S. or German currency (see acceptable forms of payment above).

For inquiries on this or any other information, please contact the Frankfurt office at 49 69-7535-0.

For inquiries on the Immigrant Visa process, please contact the Department of State's Visa Information Service on 069 7535 8200.

I understand that they only need a residency permit. A "6 months rule" doesn't exist?!

Am I wrong? Should I panic? 6 more months in addition would kill us... darn!

Cheers,

Oban

Sorry for kidnapping this thread, but I have a question regarding the 6 months rule:

Is that valid for all countries? For DCF in general?

Because my wife is in Germany since end of May 07 and just got her stay permit. Before, she stayed as a visitor. Is that a problem? Or is that a non-issue to Frankfurt? Because I read a lot of time lines which said that a lot of couples got married and filed just 1-2 weeks later.

Please advice!

Thank you,

Oban

!!! Good luck !!!

I am looking forward to read your Frankfurt experience!

Hi all! Thanks for your answers, I feel a bit more relaxed. I hope it will be as easy as described. I just read about this guy from sweden, who got denied in stockholm etc.

But I feel a bit more calm now!

About the joint bank account in the US

We have to ask, but I think also that I will need a SSN

A joint bank account in Germany is no problem at all!

Cheers,

Oban

Hello!

You are OVER prepared! That's much more than we included with the I-130. We didn't send any pictures or affidavits or personal statements. We sent proof that we were living together (copy of our lease and copy of a tax bill at our address that has both our names on it).

All those things are fine to bring to the interview and may be helpful, but they would be total overkill in the I-130 package.

At this point, I would only include the copy of the local register and a piece of mail that is addressed to both of your at your current address (hopefully you have some type of gas or other utility set up in both your names).

About the joint bank account, hopefully your wife has left some US accounts open and maybe she could get your name added to one of them. That would be great at the interview for proof of your intent to go to the US together.

Hi! Thanks for your answer. All this information and process is killing me. My poor little brain is so messed up (panic!?!?!?)!

My wife has a savings accounts left, but it is nearly empty. Just a few bucks in case she has to pay some bank fees or whatever. I also doubt that she is able to put my name on this account, because I am not a permanent resident in the US nor have I a SSN. I assume the bank will not "play" this kind of game.

The joint bank account in Germany is not a problem.

Bills or invoices on both of our name is a problem! We have some postcards from friends, mentioning both of our names, but bills or a lease... no chance. I had the apartment before we moved together. Everything is on my name.

The only really OFFICIAL document we have is the city registration.

I am so confused... you said you haven't sent nearly anything withthe I-130, others wrote you have to attach evidence.

When we hand in the I-130 in person, will we get the possibility to explain some things in person to the USCIS officer? Is this relevant? Will they listen? Or is just paper the counting media?

Thanks again!

A very nervous,

Oban

Morning!

Where are all of you? All the guys with experience about "bona fide"-marriage?

I know, nobody can give me the promise that I will pass with the above mentioned, but I just want your opinions based on your experiences. Maybe I need more evidence?

Thanks in advance and have a great day!

Oban

Hi all!

I think after this DCF process I could become an immigration lawyer! God... tons of information. My brain is so messed up.

We are working right now on the "bona fide"-part / proof of relationship. I would like to hear your opinion (will it "pass" or not?!). We have...

1.)

A statement, written by us, explaining how me met. What happened before we moved together. About the long-distance relationship we had, etc.

2.)

A record of the local city register. This record states that we are both residing at the same address.

3.)

Pictures (-> general pictures, -> wedding pictures, -> vacation pictures, -> wedding reception pictures)

4.)

Affidavits signed by friends, relatives and parents (8-10 over all), saying that we have a true and loving relationship.

5.)

Copies of our passport stamps and a list of trips we made to visit each other over the last months (because of the long-distance relationship).

6.)

We could open a joint bank account ("must have"?????)

Okay, thats it. What do you think? I thought about using the affidavits as a "last resort". Good idea? Or should I provide them "all" evidence in advance?

Cheers,

Oban

Thanks!

Well, the degree is still a problem. Based on what I read (evaluation of foreign degrees) it will depend on the US University. Some will say "hey, it is a BA / BS", other will say "it is just an AA / AS". Because the business school program which I did is "only" 3 years. To get "real" bachelor you need 4 years in Germany.

I mean: do they really care? Do they check it? In my opinion and compared to what I've learned and what they learn in the US I would call it a "BA equivalent", but is that the official definition? I don't know! And I don't see why I should pay a lot of $$$ to evaluate my degrees at this point. Doesn't make sense to me!

Thanks again!

Cheers,

Oban

Hi all,

I just read about the "DS-157", required for male applicants between age 16 and 45. I thought:

"Hey, I am the applicant! I am male! I am between 16 and 45! Do I need this form beside the DS-230 for the DCF?"

So... Do I need it?

In addition I have a question regarding DS-230 #23 "List below all educational...":

Degree or Diploma? I mean for high school I will write "HS Diploma", but what should I write for business school? I have no "Bachelor". You could say it is the equivalent, but is is no Bachelor. Should I simply write "Degree"?

Any ideas?

Thanks!

When I read the timelines, 60-90 days seems way too long. It seems that this amount of time applies if you do not hand in your I-130 in person. A lot of people got their approval after 2/3 weeks to 1.5 months.

As far as I understood the I-864, my wife can mention MY assets (even when she has no access!). There is a part which asks for the immigrant's assets. They don't mention any needed access. But hey, a shared bank account is no problem.

What do you guys think about any explanation like "Well... my grandpa (or whomever) gave me the amount of money for my move to the US". Would that be an explanation why the money "popped" up?

Any comments?

Thanks again!

Oban

Many many thanks / good morning!

Yes, I know that I need an appointment for the USCIS in Frankfurt (Infopass, right???). Somehow I like the system, easy to handle.

The tax returns shouldn't be a problem! My wife and I just moved to Germany this year (I am German, but we lived a while in Austria). Incl. January 2007 my wife had an income. So the tax return 2006 is no problem. 2007 is not over -> so nothing is filed yet. 2005 and 2004 might cause a problem, because she was still studying (university) and had a small or no income.

The information regarding the case number is also helpful. I should as for the number when I am in Frankfurt... good to know.

What's up with this filing the DS-230 Part I? Does that really mean I can just file the DS-230 Part I and afterwards I have to drive home and fax them the checklist? They don't take it in person? I think that is confusing!

Another question regards my assets:

When my wife files the I-864 and we mention my assets on there, is there anything to know? Let's say I write "53,000.00 USD". I assume I need proof that I own this money and where it is and so on -> Signed letter from my German (???) bank?!

I think it is no big deal to get a written statement from my bank about this money, but aren't there certain rules? Is the money untouchable afterwards? Is the US Government allowed to ask my bank after 2 months "hey, is the money still there?". Because I am planning to invest my assets as soon as possible, but I would like to keep the money in my savings accounts till we filed the I-864. Any ideas? I hope my question is understandable.... hehe.

Thanks again!

Cheers,

Oban

You assume right!

I am just one of these VISA-waiver guys who traveled 10.000 times to the US, but have never stayed there for longer. So yes, I was never in an immigration process.

And yes, my wife was born in Hawaii.

I assume that the "case"-number is what I put in all "A"-number fields on all form? Even when it is no real alien number?

Based on your profile you are from the UK right? God! I would love to leave the office right now and be in London again (just for a change, you know). One of the nicest European cities in my opinion (Brighton, Dover & Canterbury are nice too).

Anyway, many thanks again! Would you mind if I pm' you if I have any further questions?

Cheers,

Oban

Hi again!

Many thanks for your reply. Really helpful, thank you!

I assume the "domicile part" which is filed by my wife is on the I-864, because I haven't seen one on the DS-230. Anyway, I hope it will work. I am not used to simple answers like "Domicile: USA". Maybe I am just paranoid!!!

By the way: is it possible that in the past the form I-864 had to be notarized? I read a lot about "sworn" and "notarized" regarding the affidavit of support. Nowadays it seems that just signing it is enough?!

Regarding the medical: I have a list of "official" doctors which are allowed to do the medical for the consulate. I did not know that they need the A-Number. I assume I will get one after the I-130? Or I-130 approval?

Thanks again!

Cheers,

Oban

Hi! Thanks for your reply!

In general people say it is better to file the I-130 in person. Based on what I've read the processing is faster (compared to mailing). No idea why, but hey, why risk it?

I just see one problem regarding the parents address: if we mention their address on the I-864 as a domicile we are basically screwed. Because that would mean that my wife would be a household member. The parents - as the joint sponsor - would not be able to file the I-864. They would have to go with the I-864A afaik?!?!

Or do you mean to explain the "domicile" situation separate? Like a letter? Can we just write the German address on the I-864? I mean without any trouble?

Btw: I am glad to read that we can take also the joint sponsor's I-864 WITH US, because I assumed that they would have to mail it to a center in the US and so on...

Is the consular officer not skeptical if we come along with a joint sponsor's I-864? I mean it could be a fake? I think I am just too worried!

Thanks again!

PS.: Yes, the USC is my wife

In addition another question... I just thought about the timeline etc.

When we hand in the I-130, we get the DS-230 + checklist, etc. afterwards. I know that we can hand in the DS-230 PART I immediately after receiving it (I mean directly at the consulate), but would that not also work with other documents?

I downloaded the "checklist", and I am sure that I can provide all needed documents without any delay (I-864's, DS-230 Part II, etc). What I mean is: can I give the CO directly the DS-230 Part I + signed and checked checklist? The only missing thing would be the I-130 approval and the medical (which is no problem to get). After approval they could start over and give me a visa interview appointment.

Sounds to me like the fastest way? Do I miss anything?

Hi! Thanks for your reply!

In general people say it is better to file the I-130 in person. Based on what I've read the processing is faster (compared to mailing). No idea why, but hey, why risk it?

I just see one problem regarding the parents address: if we mention their address on the I-864 as a domicile we are basically screwed. Because that would mean that my wife would be a household member. The parents - as the joint sponsor - would not be able to file the I-864. They would have to go with the I-864A afaik?!?!

Or do you mean to explain the "domicile" situation separate? Like a letter? Can we just write the German address on the I-864? I mean without any trouble?

Btw: I am glad to read that we can take also the joint sponsor's I-864 WITH US, because I assumed that they would have to mail it to a center in the US and so on...

Is the consular officer not skeptical if we come along with a joint sponsor's I-864? I mean it could be a fake? I think I am just too worried!

Thanks again!

PS.: Yes, the USC is my wife

Hi all!

4 days ago I've found this msg board while looking for information about the DCF. I've spent quite some time reading tons of threads and postings (very helpful!!!).

My wife and I are currently living in Germany, but we've decided to go "back" to San Francisco in 2008 (January / February). After reading some information regarding the visa process the DCF sounds like the fastest and "easiest" way.

As I said, I read tons of postings and I tried to search the msg board, but there are still a few things I would like to clarify. I hope you guys are able to help me:

1.) "domicile"

I read a lot about the fact that a Sponsor ("the main sponsor") needs a domicile in the US. We are currently BOTH in Germany. The only evidence we have to go back to the US is:

- a bank accounts

- spouse's parents

- friends

- the wish to go back asap!

We are looking into jobs right now, but based on experience I have not much hope. I think it will work out to find something in person, but when you are thousand miles away it is hard to get a job. I am mentioning that, because a job would be a great evidence. I also read that the Frankfurt consulate is NOT making a big deal out of the "domicile" issue. Is that correct? What should I do?

2.) Affidavit of Support -> joint sponsor

Because of no US-income we would have to write "0.00 USD". We only have a few assets, but I am not 100% sure that these assets will be enough. But I am not really worried about that, because we would have a joint sponsor.

My question is: I understood that we will have to carry the signed Affidavit of Support with us to the interview in Frankfurt. But what about the 2nd one (the Affidavit of Support from the joint sponsor?).

Is it okay if our joint sponsor sends us his signed form via FedEx or UPS and we carry it with us to the interview? What is the correct and most efficient way? Because it seems to be the most convenient if we could bring all the affidavits with us.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,

Oban