US_SL

Hi...

My wife did the finger prints 2 weeks ago and we just got a letter from uscis informing us that the case has been transferred to CSC. But when I tried to log in to uscis website to check the status based on the receipt number, it says case has been transferred to local uscis location....what does this mean? Is this case in CSC or in my local service center? Based on this letter and the information in USCIS website, thy both have same dates but letter says its transferred to CSC website says its transferred to local...

Thanks much

Hi,

We just got our email of EAD is in production yesterday. Just wondering does the new EAD card since Fenruary this year works as the travel document as well?

Thanks,

Hello,

I seem to be having the worst of luck with CSC. Anyone else find this website service completely non-user friendly?

I am trying to make my MRV fee payment for my K-1 Visa. When I called in to book an appointment, they said I need to make the payment of $350US before an appointment can be made.

1) I have tried making the payment over the telephone. I have attempted about 5 times now, using 2 different credit cards, and I am continued to be told my cards are invalid. I have contacted my credit card company, and they said the cards are fine, and no transactions were even attempted.

I emailed CSC for assistance, and they basically told me to try again, and to try making the payment online or through Scotiabank.

I attemped to make the payment over the phone again....same issue, I'm told my credit card is not valid. (I emailed CSC again to see what the problem is)

2) I tried to make the payment online through the website instead. Except, I can't seem to find the option to make the MRV fee payment. I have followed all instructions as outlined.

-Trip purpose selected (K1 Fiance) Permanently immigrate to the US

- Selected Montreal as my choice consulate

- Was sent to Visa information page - clicked on continue

- Taken to my applicant summary page, advises me that "no appointments are available at this time" ---- and no continue button to press to make an MRV payment, no option for payment at all.

I have emailed CSC again trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. But the help on this forum is always much better! If anyone is having similar problems let me know, or if anyone knows what I'm doing wrong....PLEASE HELP!!!

PS. I thought I could pay the fee at the consulate on the day of the interview (my packet 4 letter says I can) So I'm so confused about why CSC says they need payment before appointment can be booked.

Thanks!!

- T.

Just monegram the money to your fiance / fiancee & asked her/him to pay it at the embassy. Make things so so easy...my two cents.

Hi All,

We filed of AOS after we got married almost a month before her I-94 expires. We already did our biometrics earlier this month & cases (I-765 & AOS) are with the CSC.

When filed the AOS i included last 3 years of tax returns plus tax transcipts for make things easier for USCIS (At least i was hoping).

Here is the issue: 3 weeke ago i got a letter from IRS informing that i may not be eligible for 2008 first time home buyers tax credit i cliamed for 7.5K (That time my self & my ex-wife now we filed taxes together) & when refund was received i had to split it as we were going thru a divorce & all she wanted was a half of it. So, i gave it to her & in few montsh our divorce was finalized outside the US as we got married outside the US.

It is surprising to me that my tax guy didn't know the law exactly how to claim the tax credit for first time home buyers in 2008 as my closing date on the house was 3 days before they signed that bill into the law.

Now, IRS just sent me a bill for 9.2k Including penalties & interest. I still didn't make a call to IRS to inform what exactly happen & my tax guy seem to be dimissing me every time i call & i already went to his office 4 times but he was always busy but keep telling me that not to worry & he will write a letter to IRS. This man has been doing taxes for almost 25 years in the area though.

I am willing to pay half of the credit back to IRS - I understood there is such a thing called "innocent spouse relief" which kind of suits for divorce couple if they got any refunds while they were married.

Question : 1. Can they deny my wifes AOS based on this 2008 tax issue even though if i am to get into a payment plan to pay this off?

Thanks everyone,

Well I passed my driving test yesterday! It was funny really and I was nervous, even after driving for 18 years in many different countries!

Although I have showed all the required documents (SSN, utility bills, marriage certificate, NOA for AOS, visa, passport etc...), the Virginia DMV in our town said they can only give me a license vaild for 2 months until I can prove that my Green Card is coming.... Umm, does anyone know what I can show to prove this?

Kiki

Yep. That is true. VA is way too conservative & i don't think they take any chances any more. We got ours for 1 year as we had the original adjustment of status receipt (I-797). I don't think they issue the DL for 7-10 years until you prove them you have the 10 years GC or the Citizenship. This is northern VA & in Alexandria area.

Interview happens after biometrics not for quite a few months. If you have an interview.

Thanks much!

We filed for AOS 10 days ago & i already received the I-797 For I-485 & for I-765. Also teh same day we recived the ltter for biometrics. She came on K-1 & we got married last month.

Question : Does this means she will not have the interview for her temporary GC or is that something they will inform us after we receive the EAD?

Thanks

Guys,

When filling out I-485 it is asking on part 3.b about the current spouse & Alien number. I am the spouse and i am the USC but a naturalized one. Should we just lease it blank or should we put my A# there (But i a USC now)?

Where in the I-485 it says about the fee for biometrics? All i can find is the $985 for AOS.

Thanks much,

Guys,

Is it $1,010 if we are to send both I-485 (AOS) & I-765 (EAD) together? Should we write a one check for both?

Thanks so much,

actually "adjustment applicants" isn't specific to K1 visas but you're right it's C9

Thank you all for your responses. Helps a lot.

Guys,

I am filling out I-765 & got stuck with question number 16. It is asking the category that we are eligible to file I-765 (EAD). But on instructions it is very complicated to find the eligibility. They don't say anything about K visas but says as LIFE act.

Can you guys let me know what you all have done please?

Thanks,

No, the I-485 Adjusted your status of legal presence within the US.

When you entering using a K-1, you are admitted as a non-immigrant visitor and issued an I-94 which governs your period of authorized stay. The K-1 Visa is for entry only (as are all Visas) and had been used at this point.

By filing the I-485 you are requesting to adjust your status of legal presence from "Non-Immigrant Visitor" to "Legal Permanent Resident".

Thanks so much for clarifying this. I am so gldd for this website as this has lot of information.

Let's clarify a few things about this reply:

The return flight's validity has nothing to do with their immigrant/visa status. The flight is valid and the OP always has the option to use it. If they don't have either a Greencard or Advance Parole then there will be immigration ramifications.

There is no process to "Adjust your status from Non-immigrant K-1 to Immigrant Visa category". If the OP leaves the US prior to obtain either a Greencard or Advance Parole they would have to start a whole new Visa Application Process for a Spousal (CR-1) Immigrant Visa. The K-1 Visa died the second it was used to enter the US.

This may seem like picking nits to some but understanding the nuances of this stuff is generally important as it helps us avoid silly mistakes with large consequences.

"There is no process to "Adjust your status from Non-immigrant K-1 to Immigrant Visa category".

Isn't that what you do when get married and file for I-485? Changing your status from Non-immigrant to an immigrant based on your marriage to USC.

Hi everybody,

Maybe you can help me with this...

I tried to check in earlier online for my flight tomorrow from Frankfurt to San Francisco. However, the airline won't process my check-in and asks me to present my documents at the counter, despite the fact I punched in my visa number (K1). I have a return flight booked for the end of august (family event in my home country). Is that a problem?? I do not need ESTA right? I am travelling on a visa, so I don't need a Visa waiver, right? Sorry, guys, I am getting nervous and so excited to see my love tomorrow again...

Thanks for all your help in advance.

Dodobird*

Regardless of your ESTA benefit once you enter on K-1 you can't go back to Germany until you get your status adjusted. So, your return flight is not valid. Of course, you can go anytime but you will not be allowed back in US once after you marry here and you have file proper papers to adjust your status from Non-immigrant K-1 to Immigrant visa category. This will take i would say at least 6-8 months until you get your conditional green card. Of course you can send in an I-131 (Advance parole) application with your "adjustment of status" package requesting permission for re-entry after your planned trip in August.

You have to show your K-1 visa and the package (immigrant data sheet)the embassy gave you when checking in at the airport.

Very good luck to you both!

My mom was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness and I'm afraid she may not be able to make it to our wedding if we waited until July. (July is the expected month my love should arrive in the US)

Do you think this would qualify as a valid reason to file an expedite?

NOA1: November 1

I am so sorry. Here is what you do:

Gather all medical supports and contact your sentor and have the sentor send the request to USCIS. That should work like a charm and don't do it yourself! They might not even read it. From senator, Yes , they will and process it fast. Very good luck to you!

Hi Cat Naz,

I hate to be a devil's advocate here, could it be (remotely) that your fiance is having second thoughts about this and had to tell you something, somehow, anyhow..... ? As fellow-VJ'ers have mentioned, things just don't add up.

Good luck with this nevertheless.

Thats what i thought too...

Have you gotten anything in writing yet?

The NVC doesn't normally call people to tell them they are denied... something is odd here.

Yes indeed...something is very fishy...NVC has nothing to do with extending tourist visa. It's just some supports we need to send to USCIS with a copy of the I-94.

It never takes over a year for this visa...i got teh feeling that USC in this case is hiding something from the OP...

I arrived yesterday to CDJ, took a taxi from the airport to the hotel (which cost $245 pesos). The taxi driver was really nice, and as soon as he knew that I was in Juarez for my visa he gave me a mini tour of the consulate, the clinics and everything important around the hotel areas. The hotel we picked is 'La quinta inn', in my opinion this is a great hotel if you are coming to Juarez for immigrations purpose, it's really clean, the rooms are really nice and they have complementary breakfast every morning and a shuttle that takes you everywhere 10 km around the hotel with no cost.

Today I had my medical examination, I took the shuttle from the hotel at 6:00 am. When we got to the clinic they asked for the invitation letter and the passport to let you in. Once inside the check your papers again and assign you a number mine was 38. We were waiting for a few minutes when a lady came in and called the next ten numbers (including me) and told us to go to the other clinic because the one we were at was too full (the first clinic was clinica medica internacional and they sent us to servicios medicos fronterizos) once in the other clinic the called us in the same order we arrived in the other clinic. They checked my papers again and sent me to a window where I gave my papers, the took a picture of me and asked me to sign in a tablet (so they would have an electronic signature). Then they sent us to a waiting room, where males and females where separated to the the x-rays.

For the x-rays the gave each on of the girls a cubicle where we had to strip our upper body and put on a paper gown. They asked us to do our hair into a bun, and then I went to the x-ray machine, I had to put my chest close to the machine and my hands on my waist and take a deep breath.

After that they took us into another waiting room where a lady stared calling names from a door, I went inside, took a seat and wait until they took a blood sample. Then they sent us to the second floor for the last exam. Once again us girls went into a different room than the boys, in that room the took our blood pressure, ask us if we had had kids, or being pregnant before and then asked when did we had our last period. *Note: if you had had children they will ask when did your last kid was born. Then they measure and weight us, and make us wait for a little longer, until another lady called us took us to a room where we had to strip completely and put on the paper gown again. Then the lady asked for any chronic illness, surgeries, piercings, tatoos, drugs, or arrests. Then she checked my lungs and left the room so I would be able to dress up again.

Then it was back to the first floor to pay 183.5 usd for the medical examination and I was told to come back at four for the results.

That's my experience until now. I'll be sure to keep you guys posted. Btw, I'm going to the consulate tomorrow morning for my interview!! wish me luck (:

Very good luck to you! You will hit it.

You don't use "taxable income". If he filed a 1040 or 1040A then you use "total income". If he filed a 1040EZ then you use "adjusted gross income".

If he's active duty US military then he needs 100% of the poverty guidelines. Otherwise, he needs 125%.

If he's using assets (like cash in the bank) to offset a shortage in income then he needs 3X the shortage in assets. In other words, a shortage of $3K would require $9K in assets. Most consulates will consider your fiancee just as they would your spouse for the affidavit of support.

Many people recommend having updated letters of intent for the interview. The consulates don't usually ask for them, but they might if it's been a while since the petition was originally sent, or if circumstances have changed that might make them want confirmation that the petitioner still wants to go through with the marriage. In most cases, the fact that the petitioner is submitting an affidavit of support is enough confirmation for them.

What about submitting some family photographs (photo copies of course)with the package? I mean the requirement for "evidence of engagement".

These are visa applications, not interview applications.

For 32, I would just say "To be Determined" but your suggestion will work.

1 previous marriage plus 0 current marriage equals 1 on my calculator.

44. Just say no. The SSN section doesn't apply to a K1 visa applicant anyway.

Thank you.

Regards to SSN : She need the SSN in order to obtain marriage license. So, how can we get married without the license in VA? I thought K-1 is auto eligible for SSN so DS-230 will give the directions for it...

Guys,

Finally we are at that stage now!

I have some issues in regards to filling out Employment related question in DS-156.

32. Do you intend to work in the US? Can we say "YES" & then say "upon my marriage to XXX & only with valid work authoriazation?

DS-230:

9. "Including my present marriage i have been married 1 times". Is this correct if my fiancee was divorced?

44. 'Were you assisted completing this application?"

We discussed certain items on the application together and should she write my name, Then "fiance" here and say that "we have discussed item number 43 together which ask about SSN as she will have to have this in order to obtain marriage license in the state of Virginia.

Thank you all for your insight!

hello guys

please help ..do i need to get a copies from I129F and G325A for my interview because my wife mailed the originals without making any copies from them

If you have a wife you are not eligible for K-1....Are you legally married or not?

Has anyone contacted their Congressman to possibly get their K-1 visa interview date moved up? Or would this be a good suggestion? We recently got our NOA2, and scheduled the interview the other day, and the earliest date available was 8-1/2 months away! This seems ridiculous compared to most interview wait times. The US Interest Section in Cuba website even says interviews are usually available in about 2 months. I had written an email to them 1-1/2 weeks ago asking if 2 months is still accurate, and their reply came back today saying "The information on our website is correct".

I'm not sure if I'd be beating a dead horse by contacting our Congressman, because 8 - 8 1/2 months seems to be the norm for Cuba right now based on other timelines on VJ I'm looking at. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

It is ridiculous to wait 8 months. Contact your congressman and have them deal with US embassy in Cuba. If you don't ask answer is always NO.Try that route and that is your best chance.

After 6 months since our NOA1, today they said that we got another RFE. What a perfect world!!!!!!!!!!!

Your header sounds like you got RFE earlier! Is this your second RFE or the second correspondence from USCIS including your NOA1?

I have the same notice you have. Did you get a clear answer yet?

Thank you all you guys. I got the answer. My case was recived by NVC yesterday (NOA 2 ON 2/2 & NVC Received on 2/8) & the lady said it will go out on next tuesday which is the 15th. Wow...nice. I wonder how the lady i talked to can say those things with so much confident! She said i will get a letter soon by mail...This is good & moving now.