Dewald & Brittney

So I have actually applied and received a B1 visa after filing for an I-130. I did this in Johannesburg and was also worried about the possible denial since I was obviously immigrating in the future. I'm not sure why the CO approved my application, but I was very upfront and honest with him during the interview. I also had proof of ties to a 3rd country, being back on my way to Thailand in May to wait out my I130, I had a contract for hire in hand and past work visas for Thailand in my passport (I applied for the B1 in March). I think the fact that both my wife and I being teachers played a role in the decision as you can't really teach without a EAD in the US so the risk vs reward of staying illegally on a B1 was low. At the time of writing, I am visiting the US for the second time this year, each time being granted 6 months stay and leaving after 1 month (leaving again tomorrow morning, sadly). This long winded reply is just to say that it is possible to get a B1 visa while already processing an I130, but it is up to the CO in the end. I might have just gotten lucky.

Right. I get what you are saying. At the moment I am visiting her in the US, so I will sit down with her and make sure she gets on it.

Thank you, that helps a lot. She is a teacher in the US yes, so her pay is well over the 23k requirement. Time to start collecting pay stubs. From my research I see that if I file the I-864 regular, I will need the W2's but not with the EZ form. Based on the context of my previous question, do you recommend in our case we use the regular I-864, or will the I-864EZ be sufficient as I am the only beneficiary?

Hello again everyone, As I have progressed to the NVC stage, pandora's box of questions has been opened. Here is the context: My wife's (USC) tax transcripts do not show the sufficient income requirement due to us having lived in Thailand for three years before beginning the immigration process. Her current job pays well over the income requirement, however tax filing for 2022 hasn't started yet. Will we need to find a joint sponsor for the affidavit of support, or can we supply pay stubs and a work contract to show that she makes enough money in the US? Thanks in advance, Dewald

Thank you @pushbrk. I have already sent in an inquiry. On their website it stated that I can use my USCIS receipt number. They will probably only see that letter after I receive my welcome letter. Once I do receive my welcome letter, I will follow your steps to confirm that they have received my request. Currently I am visiting in the US, but I do have scans of my work permit with me and obviously my passport on hand that has the employment authorized visa in it. I will also attach my apartment's lease agreement for good measure.

Alright. That is what I will do. I wasn't sure whether or not to wait for an NVC case number, but I will use the template that has been posted in previous threads and email them today. Thank you both for the help.

Hello everyone, This question has been asked a lot, but I have had difficulty finding an answer by reading through other threads. Here is my context: My I130 was approved yesterday. When I began filing, I was living in South Africa but have since moved to Thailand. I have a work permit and all the required documents to change consulates, my question is just how I would approach this? Would I need to contact NVC once I receive my welcome letter, or do I simply fill out the NVC stage forms with my new address and bring all the needed evidence to the interview? Thanks in advance, Dewald & Brittney

Sorry to jump in here, but how long after you have been over the estimate would be a good time to contact a representative? We just crossed over the 12 month mark at Potomac which is the current estimate. On the USCIS website it says we should wait until December before submitting an inquiry. I'm hoping that it would be a viable option to contact a congressman before that. What are your thoughts?

Hello everyone. My wife and I reached the one-year mark with our I-130 application (September 2021). According to the USCIS website, the approval estimate at Potomac is 12 months, but we would have to wait an additional three before we can submit an inquiry via their portal. My question is whether it would be effective to reach-out to a congress person before then? Thanks in advance. Dewald

Thanks for the tag @ROK2USA. I managed to be approved for the B1/B2 visa with an i130 application in the pipeline, as mentioned before. I was radically honest with the CO (consular officer) about my situation and how I plan on coming back after a month's visit. In terms of evidence I brought my work contract with me and even screenshots of chats between my current employer and myself to establish that I have a work contract in Thailand (I did this interview in South Africa). Your main goal is to prove that you and your girlfriend are not trying to jump the queue. If the CO gets a wiff of BS then they will not approve the visa. You can prove this by showing as many ties to the Philippines as possible. This will include ties from BOTH of you, not just your SO. Show proof that you don't want to move back to the US as this will help establish her case. Work contracts and long-term leases come to mind.

Thank you for all the replies. Sorry for only responding now, it was a killer work week. Ok, I will talk to the principal and see what we can figure out. If it works, it works. If not then oh-well. Thanks everyone and good luck moving forward.

Thanks for the reply. Charter schools do not require certification on a state level (this is a charter school, I should have mentioned that). That being said I am in the process of completing my PRAXIS exams to be able to complete teaching certifications in the US, and I'm completing an M.Ed degree online through a US based institution, which gives some breathing room in terms of being employed according to some research I have done.

Hello everyone, me again. So a while ago I went to visit my wife in WNY. While I was there she took me to the school where she works at to introduce me to some of her colleagues, etc. It has come to my attention now that her principal is interested in hiring me once my visa is approved. My question is that whether or not this potential job offer would qualify as a reason to expedite the process. It would be as an ESL teacher in an area that desperately needs them, which is why he wants to hire me. Thanks again for all the help. Dewald