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The Burts

Hello VJ Peeps, I'm A Newbie & A Bit Overwhelmed

By The Burts in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

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The Burts Explorer

The Burts   6

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Namibia
 Timeline
Posted

Hi everyone!

I'm Tom, I'm new to VJ and feeling quite overwhelmed when contemplating the whole immigration process.

Forgive me if this ends up a little lengthy, but here's my story.

I'm a US citizen living in Namibia with my new (Feb.14, 2014) wife (Namibian citizen).

I love my wife with all of my heart. I never thought that I would or could meet my soulmate 10,000 miles away from home, and in Africa. But with the Lord, ALL things are possible!

My wife has an 11 year old daughter that I am in the process of adopting.

My/our timeline is as follows:

After the adoption is completed and after return of the results from our police records/fingerprint checks here, I will be applying for a Namibian national ID which I am able to do, due to my marriage to a Namibian citizen giving me "domicile" here.

I will then be looking at returning to the US to reestablish residence and employment to save up the funds to bring my wife and her daughter HOME to the US. I am anticipating it to take about 10 to 12 months to have the funds to do this. At which time I will submit the I-130 form.

One question I have is: In the instructions for submitting the passport photos, it states that the photo's must be taken within 30 days of submiting the petition. How critical is this 30 days requirement? I ask this because the mail from Namibia can easily take 30 days and more to reach the US.

ANY and ALL advice and help will be most appreciated.

BTW, the US embassy in Windhoek, Namibia does not have a USCIS field office. Nearest is Johannesburg, SA.

Also, I think the story of how we met is pretty cool, so I will share it if anyone is interested.

Thanks!

Tom

IR-1 & IR-2 Timeline - TSC USCIS

02/14/2014 - Got Married

04/06/2016 - File I-130 x 2

04/13/2016 - NOA1s

06/15/2016 - NOA2s

06/23/2016 - Petitions send to NVC (63 days)

NVC

06/30/2016 - NVC received petitions (confirmed via telephone)

07/13/2016 - Another call to NVC and they said we must allow 2 weeks for them to put our case on the

07/15/2016 - DS-261 received and submitted

07/15/2016 - Case #, IIN, AOS assigned and paid (for daughter)

07/16/2016 - AOS Paid

07/18/2016 - Case #, IIN, AOS assigned (mom)

07/27/2016 - IV Fee Invoiced & Paid x 2

07/29/2016 - DS - 260 Unlocked x 2

07/31/2016 - DS - 260 Submitted online x 2

08/01/2016 - Mail the AOS & IV Packages to NVC x 2

08/04/2016 - AOS & IV Packages received by NVC

08/04/2016 - Scan Date

08/05/2016 - Hubby (agent) received an email from NVC that they got our packages - WAIT 30 DAYS

08/30/2016 - Case Complete (IR-2) :dancing:

08/30/2016 - RFE (IR-1) for Outdated version of I-864 :crying: :crying: :crying:

09/02/2016 - 2nd Scan Date

10/17/2016 - 2nd Case Complete (IR-1)

10/18/2016 - Case left NVC (+-118 days)

Embassy Johannesburg

10/21/2016 - Case received at Embassy

11/07-10th/2016 - Medical x 2

11/12/2016 - Medical extended 3 days more due to sputum & smear (6-8 weeks to get results :cry:) x 1

12/08/2016 - Interview Date x 2

12/08/2016 - Interview Results (APPROVED!!!)

01/26/2017 - Medical results received at Embassy (10 weeks 4 days)

01/27/2017 - Visa Issued

01/31/2017 - Visa On Hand

USA

02/22/2017 - POE (LAX)

00/00/0000 - GC

00/00/0000 - SSC

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Darnell Grand Master

Darnell   8,478

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

why be stuck with mail ?

have the photos made at some place that handles digitial media, then have your wife email them to you,

then you handle it at walgreen's or cvs online, picking up next day - cost? around 2 bucks.

Sometimes my language usage seems confusing - please feel free to 'read it twice', just in case !
Ya know, you can find the answer to your question with the advanced search tool, when using a PC? Ditch the handphone, come back later on a PC, and try again.

-=-=-=-=-=R E A D ! ! !=-=-=-=-=-

Whoa Nelly ! Want NVC Info? see http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Process

Congratulations on your approval ! We All Applaud your accomplishment with Most Wonderful Kissies !

 

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The Burts Explorer

The Burts   6

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Namibia
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Good Idea. Thanks Darnell!

IR-1 & IR-2 Timeline - TSC USCIS

02/14/2014 - Got Married

04/06/2016 - File I-130 x 2

04/13/2016 - NOA1s

06/15/2016 - NOA2s

06/23/2016 - Petitions send to NVC (63 days)

NVC

06/30/2016 - NVC received petitions (confirmed via telephone)

07/13/2016 - Another call to NVC and they said we must allow 2 weeks for them to put our case on the

07/15/2016 - DS-261 received and submitted

07/15/2016 - Case #, IIN, AOS assigned and paid (for daughter)

07/16/2016 - AOS Paid

07/18/2016 - Case #, IIN, AOS assigned (mom)

07/27/2016 - IV Fee Invoiced & Paid x 2

07/29/2016 - DS - 260 Unlocked x 2

07/31/2016 - DS - 260 Submitted online x 2

08/01/2016 - Mail the AOS & IV Packages to NVC x 2

08/04/2016 - AOS & IV Packages received by NVC

08/04/2016 - Scan Date

08/05/2016 - Hubby (agent) received an email from NVC that they got our packages - WAIT 30 DAYS

08/30/2016 - Case Complete (IR-2) :dancing:

08/30/2016 - RFE (IR-1) for Outdated version of I-864 :crying: :crying: :crying:

09/02/2016 - 2nd Scan Date

10/17/2016 - 2nd Case Complete (IR-1)

10/18/2016 - Case left NVC (+-118 days)

Embassy Johannesburg

10/21/2016 - Case received at Embassy

11/07-10th/2016 - Medical x 2

11/12/2016 - Medical extended 3 days more due to sputum & smear (6-8 weeks to get results :cry:) x 1

12/08/2016 - Interview Date x 2

12/08/2016 - Interview Results (APPROVED!!!)

01/26/2017 - Medical results received at Embassy (10 weeks 4 days)

01/27/2017 - Visa Issued

01/31/2017 - Visa On Hand

USA

02/22/2017 - POE (LAX)

00/00/0000 - GC

00/00/0000 - SSC

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Ryan H Grand Master

Ryan H   3,810

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

Tom, if you have the funds to pay the I-130 filing fee now, then go ahead and file the form now (you would have to send it to the lockbox in Chicago, the office in Johannesburg only takes forms from US Citizens living in South Africa). Additionally, if you were to send the file from Namibia, use a service such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL. If your file were to reach the NVC before you had the necessary funds you mention, you can delay processing of the case at the NVC. The NVC keeps a case active from the date the last time they are contacted by the petitioner, beneficiary, or lawyer/other designated agent (if applicable).

This is only a suggestion, it may save you some wait time down the road.

Our journey:

Spoiler

September 2007: Met online via social networking site (MySpace); began exchanging messages.
March 26, 2009: We become a couple!
September 10, 2009: Arrived for first meeting in-person!
June 17, 2010: Arrived for second in-person meeting and start of travel together to other areas of China!
June 21, 2010: Engaged!!!
September 1, 2010: Switched course from K1 to CR-1
December 8, 2010: Wedding date set; it will be on February 18, 2011!
February 9, 2011: Depart for China
February 11, 2011: Registered for marriage in Wuhan, officially married!!!
February 18, 2011: Wedding ceremony in Shiyan!!!
April 22, 2011: Mailed I-130 to Chicago
April 28, 2011: Received NOA1 via text/email, file routed to CSC (priority date April 25th)
April 29, 2011: Updated
May 3, 2011: Received NOA1 hardcopy in mail
July 26, 2011: Received NOA2 via text/email!!!
July 30, 2011: Received NOA2 hardcopy in mail
August 8, 2011: NVC received file
September 1, 2011: NVC case number assigned
September 2, 2011: AOS invoice received, OPTIN email for EP sent
September 7, 2011: Paid AOS bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 9, 2011)
September 8, 2011: OPTIN email accepted, GZO number assigned
September 10, 2011: Emailed AOS package
September 12, 2011: IV bill invoiced
September 13, 2011: Paid IV bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 14, 2011)
September 14, 2011: Emailed IV package
October 3, 2011: Emailed checklist response (checklist generated due to typo on Form DS-230)
October 6, 2011: Case complete at NVC
November 10, 2011: Interview - APPROVED!!!
December 7, 2011: POE - Sea-Tac Airport

September 17, 2013: Mailed I-751 to CSC

September 23, 2013: Received NOA1 in mail (receipt date September 19th)

October 16, 2013: Biometrics Appointment

January 28, 2014: Production of new Green Card ordered

February 3, 2014: New Green Card received; done with USCIS until fall of 2023*

December 18, 2023:  Filed I-90 to renew Green Card

December 21, 2023:  Production of new Green Card ordered - will be seeing USCIS again every 10 years for renewal

 

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The Burts Explorer

The Burts   6

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Namibia
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

why be stuck with mail ?

have the photos made at some place that handles digitial media, then have your wife email them to you,

then you handle it at walgreen's or cvs online, picking up next day - cost? around 2 bucks.

Hi Darnell,

Thank you so much for your help. Photos sent, printed and I-130 submitted April 6 2016 and already got our NOA1.

Much appreciation

Monika

IR-1 & IR-2 Timeline - TSC USCIS

02/14/2014 - Got Married

04/06/2016 - File I-130 x 2

04/13/2016 - NOA1s

06/15/2016 - NOA2s

06/23/2016 - Petitions send to NVC (63 days)

NVC

06/30/2016 - NVC received petitions (confirmed via telephone)

07/13/2016 - Another call to NVC and they said we must allow 2 weeks for them to put our case on the

07/15/2016 - DS-261 received and submitted

07/15/2016 - Case #, IIN, AOS assigned and paid (for daughter)

07/16/2016 - AOS Paid

07/18/2016 - Case #, IIN, AOS assigned (mom)

07/27/2016 - IV Fee Invoiced & Paid x 2

07/29/2016 - DS - 260 Unlocked x 2

07/31/2016 - DS - 260 Submitted online x 2

08/01/2016 - Mail the AOS & IV Packages to NVC x 2

08/04/2016 - AOS & IV Packages received by NVC

08/04/2016 - Scan Date

08/05/2016 - Hubby (agent) received an email from NVC that they got our packages - WAIT 30 DAYS

08/30/2016 - Case Complete (IR-2) :dancing:

08/30/2016 - RFE (IR-1) for Outdated version of I-864 :crying: :crying: :crying:

09/02/2016 - 2nd Scan Date

10/17/2016 - 2nd Case Complete (IR-1)

10/18/2016 - Case left NVC (+-118 days)

Embassy Johannesburg

10/21/2016 - Case received at Embassy

11/07-10th/2016 - Medical x 2

11/12/2016 - Medical extended 3 days more due to sputum & smear (6-8 weeks to get results :cry:) x 1

12/08/2016 - Interview Date x 2

12/08/2016 - Interview Results (APPROVED!!!)

01/26/2017 - Medical results received at Embassy (10 weeks 4 days)

01/27/2017 - Visa Issued

01/31/2017 - Visa On Hand

USA

02/22/2017 - POE (LAX)

00/00/0000 - GC

00/00/0000 - SSC

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The Burts Explorer

The Burts   6

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Namibia
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

I want to know how you met :)

Hello Harpa,

I don't really want to speak for my husband but in short; please refer to our VJ Profile overview :)

As for me, he is my fairly tale :secret:

Monika (L) Tom

IR-1 & IR-2 Timeline - TSC USCIS

02/14/2014 - Got Married

04/06/2016 - File I-130 x 2

04/13/2016 - NOA1s

06/15/2016 - NOA2s

06/23/2016 - Petitions send to NVC (63 days)

NVC

06/30/2016 - NVC received petitions (confirmed via telephone)

07/13/2016 - Another call to NVC and they said we must allow 2 weeks for them to put our case on the

07/15/2016 - DS-261 received and submitted

07/15/2016 - Case #, IIN, AOS assigned and paid (for daughter)

07/16/2016 - AOS Paid

07/18/2016 - Case #, IIN, AOS assigned (mom)

07/27/2016 - IV Fee Invoiced & Paid x 2

07/29/2016 - DS - 260 Unlocked x 2

07/31/2016 - DS - 260 Submitted online x 2

08/01/2016 - Mail the AOS & IV Packages to NVC x 2

08/04/2016 - AOS & IV Packages received by NVC

08/04/2016 - Scan Date

08/05/2016 - Hubby (agent) received an email from NVC that they got our packages - WAIT 30 DAYS

08/30/2016 - Case Complete (IR-2) :dancing:

08/30/2016 - RFE (IR-1) for Outdated version of I-864 :crying: :crying: :crying:

09/02/2016 - 2nd Scan Date

10/17/2016 - 2nd Case Complete (IR-1)

10/18/2016 - Case left NVC (+-118 days)

Embassy Johannesburg

10/21/2016 - Case received at Embassy

11/07-10th/2016 - Medical x 2

11/12/2016 - Medical extended 3 days more due to sputum & smear (6-8 weeks to get results :cry:) x 1

12/08/2016 - Interview Date x 2

12/08/2016 - Interview Results (APPROVED!!!)

01/26/2017 - Medical results received at Embassy (10 weeks 4 days)

01/27/2017 - Visa Issued

01/31/2017 - Visa On Hand

USA

02/22/2017 - POE (LAX)

00/00/0000 - GC

00/00/0000 - SSC

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Harpa Timsah Grand Master

Harpa Timsah   13,258

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Israel
 Timeline
Posted

Hello Harpa,

I don't really want to speak for my husband but in short; please refer to our VJ Profile overview :)

As for me, he is my fairly tale :secret:

Monika (L) Tom

lol all right; he offered. :)

AOS for my husband
8/17/10: INTERVIEW DAY (day 123) APPROVED!!

ROC:
5/23/12: Sent out package
2/06/13: APPROVED!

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