Kevin-n-Merlaine

I knew I should have just ordered them I did for the I-130 but, after all the reading here, decided not to this time around. Oh well, we have lots of time and everything else is done...better safe than sorry...so I'll be sending ours next week now I suppose. An RFE would take longer than 5 business days

Ok well so much for the FedEx plan, looks like it'll be USPS I read just the opposite here on VJ about the tax transcripts - Now I'm confused I didn't order them because I'd read that and have the packet put together with my copies from turbo tax.

I bought my wife's ticket online with delta as well. She already had a debit card on our joint account so it didn't matter but if your fiance doesn't then she may need a photo copy of the card you use to purchase the ticket. Some airlines require it to board or even get the boarding pass so you might want to check with Delta. I don't remember exactly but I don't think any of the airport fees were included in the ticket. I just made sure my wife had the cash to cover those plus travel money

I bought the same, exact folder from Office Max today. Those things are expensive! At any rate, my package is coming along at the moment...

I know rite! I was shocked, but it was the only stinking ACCO type folder they had, oh well it works great

Well here's my take on this packet of fun for USCIS I'll be sending ours via FedEx next Friday

Very nice jbg805 I bought an ACCO presentation folder and similar tabs to put mine together too. We'll be filing next week - I'll throw in a few pics when it's all stuck together too.

Thanks Y & J...I was hoping someone would post the fancy list I'll be filing ours on the 14th

I am not an expert in the topic so I am not going to say your folder idea is wrong or right. Just be aware of what the USCIS recommends.

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

We are planning to hold the packet together with ACCO fasteners, hold the check with a clip, and put everything in a manila envelope. We might highlight information, such as, names, addresses, etc.

This is our first time also so do what you think is right.

I've got plenty of time so I think I'll go back to the drawing board - the one at office depot - and assemble it with acco fasteners Thanks moonlight I've read the uscis website top to bottom and for some reason I've missed that

No worries. The more information, the better. BTW, I came across this post that made me realize how straightforward our packets should be without too much, "Fluff".

http://www.visajourn...ost__p__5028920

It states that adjusticators must process 11 I-751s PER HOUR! Wow!

After reading that post I'm wondering if my folder is a good idea? I bought a small clear presentation binder with the easy load style page protectors to put all this stuff in. Everything comes out of the binder easily but I don't want to piss off an underpaid, overworked staffer??

No worries. The more information, the better. BTW, I came across this post that made me realize how straightforward our packets should be without too much, "Fluff".

http://www.visajourn...ost__p__5028920

It states that adjusticators must process 11 I-751s PER HOUR! Wow!

Sorry to step on your thread I looked back 4 pages and couldn't find one (I shoulda looked better)

Do we need the tax transcripts? Aren't our returns enough??

Yes, they're fine. I'm not sending transcripts with this bunch of stuff. I did for the I-130 but I'm just sending the returns with copies of w-2's this time.

Nice! I was afraid we'd have to steal you from the Feb thread

I used FedEx for all my USCIS/NVC stuff. It wasn't that costly and I could track it..even see who signed for it. Any of the carriers are ok as long as you have confirmed delivery

I suppose it's time to start this again Welcome back everyone! Even if you filed in Feb already (Sachi, Marianne, Tat) you need to get your butts into this thread too! Merlaine and I won't be filing till closer to the end of the month so the rest of you get to go first Plus...I don't know how to make the fancy little tracking list thingy that all the other cool kids have in their threads

The affidavits aren't required at all but most think it's a good idea to include some. They can be from anyone who knows you personally and has knowledge of your ongoing marriage. I've asked our apartment manager to just write a letter on the corporate letter head stating that she's known us since Merlaine got here, etc... We'll also get letters from her friend/supervisor and maybe my Father. I don't plan to have them do "notarized affidavits" though. I think we have pretty strong evidence and really don't want to put friends/family in the position of getting notarized statements done.

Nothing yet... Still waiting for my NOA.. it has been more than 2 weeks...

Hopefully you'll hear on Monday Where did you have your biometrics scheduled? Hopefully it's just somewhere local yah?

Hello Kevin!! Nice to see you here!!! I am Gina Karina

Thanks for getting me added here Gina, We'll be right behind you...I'll be filing in March. Good luck and here we go again!

Good luck everyone! Our turn is coming soon - we'll be filing in March.

Thanks for that. But all the papers and other documents were submitted already to USCIS upon filing the I-130. And what is DS-230 all about? (

That link I posted for you will explain every step and how to get through it all as quickly and easily as possibly When your Immigrant Visa bill shows paid online you can print the necessary barcode page and include it with you DS-230 packet -

Send your IV Package (USPS Express mail gives tracking and essentially insures delivery)

Below are the package contents:

• BARCODED Cover Sheet (to be printed from web when your status is PAID online for IV bill)

• You OWN cover sheet listing what documents are in the package, so they're easy for the reviewer to locate

• Completed DS-230 part I & II and ONLY part I signed by beneficiary.

• Photocopy of the beneficiary's passport biographic data page.

• Original/certified copy of beneficiary's birth certificate.

• Original/certified copy of beneficiary's and petitioner's marriage certificate.

• Original police certificates of the beneficiary.

• Original/certified copy of military record, if applicable.

• Original/certified copy of divorce decree, death certificate, etc. of previous marriage, if applicable.

Make 2 extra copies of this package. Send 1 copy to the beneficiary

Once everything has been sent in, it's time to wait.

That is copied from the LingChe shortcut link. Hope this helps the LingChe shortcut really will make it a breeze for ya

The requirement is to have met in the past 2 years. There is no Law Stating more than that.

Sure, more visits with proof add to the Case/Validity. But is not required.

What is asked for is proof of a on-going relationship and meeting other USCIS Guildlines.

Other countries are very strict where meetings are concerned - Vietnam for one. Only one meeting there is very questionable and could (most likely will) cause a denial. After 3 years here on VJ I can say I haven't seen one case denied from the Phils for a short courtship/meeting.

There will def be so e questions,specially if you don't see each other before interview would be very suspicious so try to travel there.

I didn't travel back, we just kept very good records of online chat, remittances, etc. I sent chat logs and video captures dated twice a week for the entire time. She was never asked to see any of them

How things change.. When we went through this a couple of years ago, it was my understanding that transcripts were preferred and that was all I sent. We didn't have any problems at all. I'm getting ready to send the I-751 packet in the next couple of months and was going to call for transcripts again. Guess I need to rethink that huh

I'm not sure if you're using it or not but this -http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/LingChe_NVC_ShortCut - will answer all those questions. I couldn't have done all the paperwork without using it

My wife and I met online and chatted for only 2 or 3 months before I flew there. I stayed 32 days and we were married while I was there. I don't think she was ever questioned about it but we had tons of evidence when she went to the interview. I think, from our experience and reading here, that how you present your evidence is as important as what you actually have. If you go prepared and confident it speaks volumes. My wife was only asked a few questions and they only looked through a couple of pages of photos but she went with a file folder that had 5 or 6 binders full. Your courtship time doesn't matter as much in the Phils as it would in other countries.

Have you thought about helping them start a business and be self sufficient if you are sending any kind of substantial recurring amounts?

Yes, we're working on it. They had a business then 3 or 4 others in the Barangay decided it could work for them too and they ran each other out of business.