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  • Trending Immigration Discussions
      Topic   Popularity Poster
    #1 Hello from Illinois.
    Intro New Members
    - popularity rating: 978 blank avatar Homer54
    #2 Request for Legal Guidance Regarding EB-3 Case Status and Potential Hold Due to Policy Changes
    - popularity rating: 618 blank avatar Arezoo
    #3 I-864 Country of Domicile Evidence Question
    IR1/CR1 Visa Discussion
    new popularity rating: 40 blank avatar Deceitful_Fox

  • Community Spotlight
    PSA: If entering the USA 2 years after marriage, kindly remind the immigration officer of this
    When we last entered the US, our immigration officer said "Oh, hmm I wonder if I could go ahead and change you an IR-1."  The agent right next to him said "Yes, you can do that" and he acted surprised. His comments made it pretty clear he was going to erroneously issue us a CR-1 and he seemed to not even know he could change the visa status until his coworker advised him (THANK GOODNESS she overheard!).  I don't know how onerous the process is to correct such an oversight but I'm glad we didn't have to find out!
     
    Just wanted to pass this along in the hopes it saves someone from any problems with the wrong stamp being placed in the passport, as I've read about here before....  I would kindly remind the officer "We married >2 years ago.  We can enter with an IR-1 visa now right?"
    • 20 replies
    Traveled to Canada for 20 days after entering the U.S. on a K-1 visa (June 1–22). Seeking reentry under Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR).
    I entered the U.S. on a K-1 visa on June 1st and left for Canada on June 2nd, remaining here for 20 days. I am now attempting to return to the U.S. through Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) using Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR). My K-1 visa is expired, but my I-94 is still valid. Am I ok?
    • 31 replies
    Wrong USCIS application form filed by my lawyer!
    Hello, so my wife came in k-1 visa to USA and we got married and all. We filled for work permit and green card together but while doing that my lawyer filed for I-130 no idea why. Will that application make my process for work permit and green card slow? If so how do I withdrawal that application? My lawyer isn’t helpful at all. I need some help…
    • 22 replies
    Seeking advice for Thai/US couple - What US visa path to take?
    My gf and I live in Thailand but spend 2-4months in the US per year. Once/if we have children age 5+, the time split would become vice versa. We have no plans to live full-time in the United States in the next 5 years, but I visit my family and friends 2-3x per year for 2-3 weeks at a time. I would love it if she can join me for those trips and experience that part of my life. What options do we have -- US visa wise, maybe a tourist or fiance visa later? Other?
     
     
    • 77 replies
    Abandoned AOS and now regret it
    Please be nice, I know I made a mistake... But got my K1 approved and arrived in the US June 25, 2024 and applied for AOS February 25, 2025 -- then left the US (abandoned my AOS). Will I be banned for re-entry to the US -- even under a spouse visa?
    • 32 replies
    US Citizen with Foreign Fiancé: When and How to Get Married?
    I'm currently living and working in the United States. My fiancé currently lives in Japan. We have been dating for about 6 months, and we have met in person several times, but we are not yet married.
    My fiancé will be visiting me in the United States on a tourist visa some time in March or April and staying for about 3 months. I want to file for a fiance/spouse visa asap -- what's next?
    • 18 replies
  • Recent Immigration Discussions
    I-864 Country of Domicile Evidence Question
    3:31 pm today

    Deceitful_Fox

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    Read 20 Times
    2 Replies



    Hello everyone, it's been awhile since I posted here but I got some good advice last time and I'm further along in the visa process so I am hoping some more experienced people will take pity on my ignorance once again!

    My wife and I are now completing our I-864 form and getting our financial information organised. We are currently living together in the UK. It has always been our plan to move back together, and I understand that her Country of Domicile HAS to be the United States in order for the application to be approved, even though she is living abroad. My question is what kind of evidence is considered acceptable to establish her Country of Domicile? She still has a US bank account and credit cards, would the statements be sufficient? She has also always filed tax returns for the three years she has been here, which we are including for financial evidence. Is there anything else that would/could be required?

    Probably won't affect this particular question, but my mother in law is the sole joint sponsor and will also be filing an I-864 along with financial documents.

    Thanks a lot in advance.



     
    View Topic

    Montreal Medical Exam appointment availabilities question
    3:18 pm today

    Zecro1

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    Read 26 Times
    1 Replies



    I m not from Montreal and need to do the medical exam and K1 interview in one visit when I end up going there instead of doing 2 separate trips.

    my question is- how open/flexible is their medical exam schedules? Is it realistic to schedule the k1 interview and schedule a medical exam so I can do it and get the results right before my interview?



     
    View Topic

    Request for Legal Guidance Regarding EB-3 Case Status and Potential Hold Due to Policy Changes
    11:49 am today

    Arezoo

    blank avatar

    Read 103 Times
    6 Replies



    Dear Sir/Madam,

    I am writing to request professional guidance regarding my ongoing EB-3 employment-based immigration case. I would like an independent review of my situation, as well as advice on whether it is reasonable or possible to place my case on hold, or whether continuation at this stage poses a high financial and immigration risk.

    Below is a clear timeline of my case:

    July 31, 2023: I signed an EB-3 contract with an immigration agency.
    August 3, 2023: The agency sent me their internal application form, which I completed and returned.
    October 21, 2023: I submitted my IELTS certificate, which was the final required document.
    November 3, 2023: The agency presented three job offers.
    November 5, 2023: We had a video call and selected one of the offers (Hotel Receptionist).
    November 6, 2023: I completed and submitted the employer s job forms.
    December 16, 2023: We received PERM/ETA approval.
    September 11, 2025: We received the next approval notice from the immigration authority.
    September 14, 2025: We had a video call with the agency. During this call, we learned for the first time that the job position had been changed from Hotel Receptionist to Sandwich Maker at a fast-food franchise. This change had not been communicated to us earlier.
    September 16, 2025: We submitted our newborn daughter s passport to the agency.
    October 15, 2025: A staff member informed us that a payment was due. We asked them to provide the exact amount, as discussed during the video call.
    No amount was provided.
    November 29, 2025: The agency again contacted us requesting payment, even though they had still not given us the amount due.

    Current problem:
    We are being asked to make a final payment, which is financially extremely difficult for our family at this time. Due to recent public announcements by President Trump regarding stricter policies toward immigrants from third-world countries, especially Iran, we are very concerned about the actual likelihood of visa approval under the EB-3 category.

    Proceeding now would require selling our home and moving with our newborn to live with family, which poses a major financial and personal risk. On the other hand, if we stop now, we may lose all funds already paid.

    Because of this, I am seeking professional clarification on the following:

    1. Is it possible to place an EB-3 case on hold until the U.S. immigration policy landscape becomes clearer?


    2. If the PERM/ETA has an expiration date (March 2026), is there any legal way to preserve or extend the job offer for a later filing?


    3. From a legal and practical perspective, does it appear too risky to continue given the current political climate and the job position change?


    4. What would be the safest and most reasonable course of action at this stage to avoid major financial loss while retaining the possibility of future immigration?

    Any guidance or evaluation you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you for your time and expertise.

    Kind regards,



     
    View Topic

    EB2-NIW Self-Petition: Need advice on obtaining independent expert letters
    9:59 am today

    dunesurfer

    blank avatar

    Read 117 Times
    9 Replies



    Hi everyone,

    I'm preparing to file my EB2-NIW self-petition and could use some guidance on the expert recommendation letters. I've done my research on the Dhanasar framework and have most of my documentation ready, but I'm stuck on the letter strategy.

    **My Background:**
    - 30 years in enterprise architecture/technical infrastructure
    - Currently Senior Technical Position
    - Masters

    **My Challenge:**
    I need 5-7 recommendation letters total, with at least 3-4 from independent experts (people who can assess my work but haven't collaborated with me).

    I have 2-3 possible letters from former employers/colleagues, but I need the independent expert letters and I'm hitting cost shock with the commercial services.

    For 3-4 letters, that's potentially $1,800-$8,000 just for expert assessments.

    **My Questions for Those Who've Been Approved:**

    1. Did anyone successfully connect with university professors or independent experts directly, without using commercial EOL services? If so, how?

    2. What outreach methods actually worked? (Cold email to university departments? LinkedIn? Professional associations? Something else?)

    3. For those who used commercial services, which ones provided good value? Any you'd specifically recommend or avoid?

    4. What's a fair compensation range if approaching professors directly? I'm happy to pay for their professional time, just trying to understand appropriate rates.

    5. Were there specific academic fields or types of experts that were more responsive? (For example, did computer science professors respond better than business school professors?)

    **What I'm NOT looking for:**
    - 'Cheap' services (I understand the risks)
    - Anything that could be considered fraudulent
    - Template letters with no real assessment

    I want to do this right and maintain full USCIS legitimacy while finding the most cost-effective path.

    Really appreciate any insights from those who've successfully navigated this part of the process. Thanks in advance!



     
    View Topic

    Hello from Illinois.
    8:10 pm yesterday

    Homer54

    blank avatar

    Read 163 Times
    6 Replies



    I am looking through some old posts for advice on the I-129F form...

    This forum is a real blessing - thank you.

    I am currently trying to bring my fianc to the U.S. from Cambodia.

    This website and forum has made the confusing k1 visa process a little bit easier.

    I just wanted to say thanks and hello!



     
    View Topic

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  • Recent Status Updates

    • Josh B K  »  Cesarr

      Hello @Cesarr. I hope you are doing well. I wanted to check with you to ask if you've received any news from the NVC? Some people with DQ dates in October have started to receive appointments. Did you receive a message? 
      · 0 replies
    • Josh B K  »  AndreaJR

      Buenas Tardes, @AndreaJR. Quise preguntarte si recibiste una cita? Ví en facebook que algunas con DQ fechas en octubre ya han recibido un mensaje asignando su cita. 

      Tienes noticies? 
      · 0 replies
    • Oluchi 1  »  JeanneAdil

      Thank you for your kind response. Please do you have an idea on how long it takes the USCIS to make a decision to the noir response
      · 0 replies
    • JeanneAdil  »  Oluchi 1

      you received a NOIR NOT NOID
      you do include the notice when you send your evidence back
       
      you will need to submit it according to the letter you receive
      with actual proof that each and every issue the CO came up with is mistaken
       
      Example:  actual proof is sending dated messages that prove your case -not just saying "we talked of that" or "we did that"
       
      proof of all visits are boarding passes not itinerary 
      read flags? 
      like big age difference
      little actual in person time together is limited
      marriage on 1 st  trip
      · 3 replies
    • Josh B K  »  johanna_q

      @johanna_q I hope you and yours are doing well as we head into the holiday season. By chance have you received an interview assignment for Ciudad Juarez? 
      · 4 replies
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