cacontri

So does anyone have any experience with having an IRS service center do their taxes? It's FREEEEEE! However, they say that I have to have the ITIN first. The ITIN instructions say that I file the W7 with my tax returns... so which comes first? Chicken or egg?

THanks for all of the helpful posts.

Okay, found the forms. Next question... does he count as not eligible for a SSN? Because he will eventually be eligible, assuming all goes well with the immigration process. But since he's here on a B1/B2 does that make the ITIN necessary?

many thanks...

Umm, nevermind again. GOt my answers, but this posting was super helpful!

My husband is here on a B1/B2 visa (I-130 being processed). Can I file with the W7 for him too? I haven't ever heard of one. Or ITIN... thoughts for where I can find info on this?

Many thanks!

Okay, found the forms. Next question... does he count as not eligible for a SSN? Because he will eventually be eligible, assuming all goes well with the immigration process. But since he's here on a B1/B2 does that make the ITIN necessary?

many thanks...

My husband is here on a B1/B2 visa (I-130 being processed). Can I file with the W7 for him too? I haven't ever heard of one. Or ITIN... thoughts for where I can find info on this?

Many thanks!

If that is the case, you should probably not pursue the K-3. Unless you have a specific reason to do so ...

According to timelines of fellow VJers, it looks like the IR-1 (i.e. I-130) gets processed faster than if you were to follow it with a K-3 application (I-129F). Both I-130 and I-129F are usually approved on the same day and sent to the NVC, where the 129F is closed. So the I-129F filing just tacks on a few extra weeks of processing time with no real benefit in the end.

Compare the IR-1 vs K-3 timelines and decide for yourself:

I130 + I129F (slower)

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/monthly_filers.php?visa=2&form=2&scenter=1&option=3&sortby=2

I130 only (faster by a few weeks)

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/monthly_filers.php?visa=3&form=2&scenter=1&option=3&sortby=2

YMMV

Well, looky thar! I do believe you are right! I must admit, I am not very good at eyeballing data like this. I really do like graphs. Hmmm... but what about satiating my paranoia that I did something wrong on the I-130 app that would ultimately make the K3 faster? This just seems so silly! A process set up originally to expedite the first process, which ultimately makes it slower. Golly, that sounds just like bureaucracy. Still, I am cautiously suspicious. Come on, other folks, weigh in on this will you? (and, uh, feel free to re-weigh in). And if I decide not to go K3 route, I just wait for NOA 2, right? That sounds awfully easy for a process that was obviously created with medieval torture contraptions in mind....

Besides, Missads, it looks like you decided to do the K3, no? What made you do that if you think it's a long cut? Would you do it differently in retrospect?

I just got my NOA1 today... woo hoo! I just pray the rest of the process is this clear cut and (dare I say) efficient. So now I'm putting together the packet for the K-3 Visa. Here are my questions (and it is soooo very interesting how evasive the folks on the phone at USCIS are once one has her NOA1):

• What documents do I need? The instructions say, "Items 1, 2 and 4 of the instructions:...but it's unclear which section it's refering to. Do I need to send in my birth cert.? You get the idea
  
• How do I fill in # 11 on the form, "have you ever filed for this or any other alien fiance or husband/wife before?" Originially I thought to mark "yes: then put "I-130 for my husband." Who wants to shed some light on this?
  
• My husband cannot get mail service at his house, so I have listed his PO box as his mailing address. They do want a mailing address and not necessarily a physical address, right?
  
• Is it okay for my husband to sign the G325a and scan and email it? My Fed Ex bill is SIZABLE, but I obviously don't want to cut corners that will cost weeks away from each other.
  

thanks!

Col and Row

I first sent in an I-130 applicaton for spouse along with the required documentation, marriage certificate, biometrics, photos, etc.

One month later, I sent in the I129-F applicaton with a copy of the I-130 NOA-1 receipt and a copy of the marriage certificate only and subsequently received a NOA-1 for the I129F

Is the I-130 and the I-129F processed independently?

If yes, can I just send the California service center the additionaly information such as the biometrics, divorce certificates, etc and a copy of the I-129F NOA-1 or do I need to wait until they ask for the additional information?

I just called USCIS about this last week and here is my understanding. Sometimes the I-129F is processed faster than the I-130, so if the I-129F is processed first, they will issue your spouse a K-3 visa. If the I-130 is processed first and sent to the NVC, then you don't need the K-3 because they will instead issue your spouse an IR visa. So I ASSUME (but don't know for sure) that both forms are processed independently. I don't know what that means for the rest of your questions, though. Hope that helps.