Beginning Spouse Visa Process today

[davidhutchins654 1]

Hello VJ members, I am an American citizen filing for my wife who resides in the Philippines. We got married on 12/28/2013. I am back in the US. I've read and re-read the guides here and on the internet in general, but I am still unsure which form to file. Some sources say it makes no difference now, other sources say use CR-1 / IR-1 Visa because it is faster. However, recently it makes no difference they say. I don't know where to start. I guess I use the I-130 form? What is form G-325a? Why would I file it and when? VJ says do this and do that, but no reasons are offered. I need to understand why. I hope to get through the process with as few setbacks and headaches as possible. Any useful advice/suggestions are welcomed. Thank you very much.

[Cathi 5,742]

Your only choice if you are married is an i130 for a cr1

[davidhutchins654 1]

Thank you, mimolicious. Did you mean I-130 OR a CR1? How do I know which to use? Is it a personal prefference?

The following is from the guides:

3. Copy of the Birth certificate for the US Citizen (front and back) or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport. This is used to establish citizenship. You may use a copy of your naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship issued by USCIS. 4. A copy of your marriage certificate (If not in English then again get a translation)

Is it understood that I provide a certified copy or can it be a regular copy from any old printer?

Thanks again.

[slowlyman 118]

Copy of your passport, or original birth certificate, original marriage certificate and certified translation if needed.

The I-130 is the form you use to apply for a CR-1 visa.

Reader digest version. You submit a I-130 to establish your eligibility to apply for a CR-1 spouse Visa. If approved, you go to the Consulate, verify you have a real marriage then the Consulate issues a CR-1 Visa. Your spouse comes to the US. Simple.................... Shame it takes a year.

Additionally, say hello in the Phils portal. They will have country specific tips for you.

Edited January 7, 2014 by slowlyman

[davidhutchins654 1]

Thanks for the expansion, slowlyman. I will try the Phil board.

[NikLR 13,227]

The I-130 is NOT an application for a visa. It is a petition that when approved allows a USC family member to apply for a visa.

[christeen 966]

You are chasing the CR1 visa... You must file the petition for that first (which is he I130) then, you can concurrently file the K3 (I129) but it is basically an extinct visa that is rarely ever issued... I woul start this journey with an extensive study of the guides for he CR1 ... It will give you a good starting point... Good luck n ur journey

[slowlyman 118]

The I-130 is NOT an application for a visa. It is a petition that when approved allows a USC family member to apply for a visa.

I think I said that.

"You submit a I-130 to establish your eligibility to apply for a CR-1 spouse Visa"

[Laverne 0]

you apply I-130 it's better for your wife.where in philippines your wife? you can apply your wife expidite if she affected the typhoon YOLANDA

[davidhutchins654 1]

I see. So the I-130 form is asking permission to file a visa? lol. I understand. Thank you everyone.

@Laverne She is working in Malaysia. Fortunately she wasn't in the Philippines when Yolanda hit. Her family was not affected either.

[NikLR 13,227]

The I-130 is the form you use to apply for a CR-1 visa.

Reader digest version. You submit a I-130 to establish your eligibility to apply for a CR-1 spouse Visa. If approved, you go to the Consulate, verify you have a real marriage then the Consulate issues a CR-1 Visa. Your spouse comes to the US.

well you said both.. I read the first one and jumped the gun on reading the guides... but the OP would benefit from doing so.

[slowlyman 118]

Sometimes my English isn't so good. I've only been speaking it for 50 years.

[NikLR 13,227]

Sometimes my English isn't so good. I've only been speaking it for 50 years.

Probably because you speak American. It's okay, LOL

[TBoneTX 45,064]

*** Thread moved from K-3 Process forum to the CR-1 Process forum. ***

[Hollyday 122]

Hello VJ members, I am an American citizen filing for my wife who resides in the Philippines. We got married on 12/28/2013. I am back in the US. I've read and re-read the guides here and on the internet in general, but I am still unsure which form to file. Some sources say it makes no difference now, other sources say use CR-1 / IR-1 Visa because it is faster. However, recently it makes no difference they say. I don't know where to start. I guess I use the I-130 form? What is form G-325a? Why would I file it and when? VJ says do this and do that, but no reasons are offered. I need to understand why. I hope to get through the process with as few setbacks and headaches as possible. Any useful advice/suggestions are welcomed. Thank you very much.

No reasons need to be offered because this is the way the package of documents supporting the I-130 petition is described in the USCIS instruction. And yes, please read the guides. There are some outdated facts there so check related threads for updates (e.g. the relevant NVC filers thread after the I-130 gets approved).