Quite A Few Questions

[ThailandToIndiana 11]

I received my I-130 NOA2 yesterday and want to begin getting the NVC paperwork together so as to make this as short a process as possible.

While there are multiple variations of the I-864 Form, I think I'm supposed to complete the I-864 (no letters after the numbers). At this website http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3197.html is says to "Scan the I-864 to Portable Document Format (PDF) and send it as an e-mail attachment to NVCElectronic@state.gov. Sending physical documents to the NVC will delay the processing of your case. When sending completed forms to the NVC do not include instruction pages or any other sheets which do not carry information you entered while completing the form."

Does that mean I don't need to send paperwork with my original signature on it? Also, does that apply to all the paperwork necessary for the NVC process (pay stubs, tax returns, etcetera)? I'm currently in Afghanistan, so if that's the case, it would certainly be beneficial not to have to wait for papers to be snail-mailed back and forth.

Also...

My situation is a little unique. To give you all the short and sweet, my wife is in Thailand I'm in Afghanistan. In addition, I'm a contract worker for the Department of Defense. I make well over the poverty level, but is the fact I'm earning money in Afghanistan going to be an issue? My idea is to send the NVC my last 3 tax returns (I don't think I have the W-2's, but I have the full tax return filings, so I can send those), and my pay stubs going back to April (which is when I began this job). I can also print out my bank statement and send that if you all think it would help (roughly $20k in the bank). I just want to send everything I can to show I can support my wife when she's in the States in the hopes it will keep the visa from being denied or delayed for RFE reasons.

Also, I saw in another thread something about a letter stating I intend to re-establish residency in the States. Is it not obvious to them that I won't be living in Afghanistan forever? Do I need to complete that? If so, I can send them a copy of my driver's license, motorcycle registration, and my motorcycle insurance (still active). Should I also send them the offer paperwork I sent to the bank to purchase a home? If I'm able to close on the home prior to my wife receiving the visa, then we'll live there, otherwise we'll stay at my parent's place until the closing is complete.

Provided my wife is issued the visa I'll fly to Thailand to get my wife and our son and take them to the States, I will then leave and return to Afghanistan after a few weeks. Is that going to be an issue? Do they even need to know that? Heck, will they even ask if I'm living in Afghanistan since my pay stubs are from a U.S. based company and do not mention Afghanistan?

And one last thing...what's the phone number I call to find out the case number? I've read in a few threads that I should start calling in about a week to get the case number, but have not seen the phone number for that listed anywhere.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide!

[dwheels76 5,472]

I received my I-130 NOA2 yesterday and want to begin getting the NVC paperwork together so as to make this as short a process as possible.

While there are multiple variations of the I-864 Form, I think I'm supposed to complete the I-864 (no letters after the numbers). At this website http://travel.state..../info_3197.html is says to "Scan the I-864 to Portable Document Format (PDF) and send it as an e-mail attachment to NVCElectronic@state.gov. Sending physical documents to the NVC will delay the processing of your case. When sending completed forms to the NVC do not include instruction pages or any other sheets which do not carry information you entered while completing the form."

Does that mean I don't need to send paperwork with my original signature on it? Also, does that apply to all the paperwork necessary for the NVC process (pay stubs, tax returns, etcetera)? I'm currently in Afghanistan, so if that's the case, it would certainly be beneficial not to have to wait for papers to be snail-mailed back and forth.

Also...

My situation is a little unique. To give you all the short and sweet, my wife is in Thailand I'm in Afghanistan. In addition, I'm a contract worker for the Department of Defense. I make well over the poverty level, but is the fact I'm earning money in Afghanistan going to be an issue? My idea is to send the NVC my last 3 tax returns (I don't think I have the W-2's, but I have the full tax return filings, so I can send those), and my pay stubs going back to April (which is when I began this job). I can also print out my bank statement and send that if you all think it would help (roughly $20k in the bank). I just want to send everything I can to show I can support my wife when she's in the States in the hopes it will keep the visa from being denied or delayed for RFE reasons.

Also, I saw in another thread something about a letter stating I intend to re-establish residency in the States. Is it not obvious to them that I won't be living in Afghanistan forever? Do I need to complete that? If so, I can send them a copy of my driver's license, motorcycle registration, and my motorcycle insurance (still active). Should I also send them the offer paperwork I sent to the bank to purchase a home? If I'm able to close on the home prior to my wife receiving the visa, then we'll live there, otherwise we'll stay at my parent's place until the closing is complete.

Provided my wife is issued the visa I'll fly to Thailand to get my wife and our son and take them to the States, I will then leave and return to Afghanistan after a few weeks. Is that going to be an issue? Do they even need to know that? Heck, will they even ask if I'm living in Afghanistan since my pay stubs are from a U.S. based company and do not mention Afghanistan?

And one last thing...what's the phone number I call to find out the case number? I've read in a few threads that I should start calling in about a week to get the case number, but have not seen the phone number for that listed anywhere.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide!

1. While there are multiple variations of the I-864 Form, I think I'm supposed to complete the I-864 (no letters after the numbers). At this website http://travel.state..../info_3197.html is says to "Scan the I-864 to Portable Document Format (PDF) and send it as an e-mail attachment to NVCElectronic@state.gov. Sending physical documents to the NVC will delay the processing of your case. When sending completed forms to the NVC do not include instruction pages or any other sheets which do not carry information you entered while completing the form."

Eectronic Processing are for a select few countries.

It's not the country YOU the petitioner are in but the country the beneficiary will interview. You need to go here to NVC filers and read the first post that will have all the information you need. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/375609-nvc-filers-july-2012/

2. To give you all the short and sweet, my wife is in Thailand I'm in Afghanistan. In addition, I'm a contract worker for the Department of Defense. I make well over the poverty level, but is the fact I'm earning money in Afghanistan going to be an issue? My idea is to send the NVC my last 3 tax returns (I don't think I have the W-2's, but I have the full tax return filings, so I can send those), and my pay stubs going back to April (which is when I began this job). I can also print out my bank statement and send that if you all think it would help (roughly $20k in the bank). I just want to send everything I can to show I can support my wife when she's in the States in the hopes it will keep the visa from being denied or delayed for RFE reasons.

You have done your taxes in US you should be ordering now while you wait for case# your Tax Transcripts. That has all your W2 information and all that the NVC and Consulates love and want.

3. It's not where you are earning money you are still paying US taxes and turning in your returns. Many people work abroad but you still as a US citizen file tax returns. You only have to send bank statements and assets when you don't meet the guyidelines. Otherwise it's not necessary.

4. I intend to re-establish residency in the States. Is it not obvious to them that I won't be living in Afghanistan forever? Do I need to complete that? Yes you have to show you have a domicile in US. Don't leave anything to assumption. In the link I attached is a letter of example how to establish domicile and show it. Yes we hate RFE's

5. If so, I can send them a copy of my driver's license, motorcycle registration, and my motorcycle insurance (still active). Should I also send them the offer paperwork I sent to the bank to purchase a home? If I'm able to close on the home prior to my wife receiving the visa, then we'll live there, otherwise we'll stay at my parent's place until the closing is complete. Yes see example in attached link

6. Provided my wife is issued the visa I'll fly to Thailand to get my wife and our son and take them to the States, I will then leave and return to Afghanistan after a few weeks. Is that going to be an issue? No issue Do they even need to know that? Why would they care. Just as long you show you are in a real relationship who cares Heck, will they even ask if I'm living in Afghanistan since my pay stubs are from a U.S. based company and do not mention Afghanistan? They usually ask the spouse "What do you do for a leaving?"

And one last thing...what's the phone number I call to find out the case number? I've read in a few threads that I should start calling in about a week to get the case number, but have not seen the phone number for that listed anywhere. 603-334-0700

Thanks for any assistance you can provide!

[JoeKwa 8]

You can call the visa center to find out the specifics of your case. The number for the NVC is 1-603-334-0700. Regarding the I-864, you should check to see if the Embassy in question is enrolled in the "Electronic Processing Program". If the embassy in which your wife will have her interview is not enrolled then you will have to send the physical form to the NVC. If the embassy is enrolled then everything can be sent electronically. However, every case is different and what I had to do may not be what is required of you and your wife. The people at the NVC are very courteous and will answer your questions and ease your mind. Also, since your are employed by the U.S. Government then certain exemptions and exceptions may be available to you. I wish you best of luck and that this whole process moves quickly for you.

[dwheels76 5,472]

here's the link for electronic processing and nope Thailand isn;t on it. It's regular mail or fedex for you. But please read the links for NVC I attached earlier to get familiar with all you need and order your tax transripts today. By the time you have to send in AOS information you will have just takes about 10 days.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_5165.html

[Ning 619]

I received my I-130 NOA2 yesterday and want to begin getting the NVC paperwork together so as to make this as short a process as possible.

While there are multiple variations of the I-864 Form, I think I'm supposed to complete the I-864 (no letters after the numbers). At this website http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3197.html is says to "Scan the I-864 to Portable Document Format (PDF) and send it as an e-mail attachment to NVCElectronic@state.gov. Sending physical documents to the NVC will delay the processing of your case. When sending completed forms to the NVC do not include instruction pages or any other sheets which do not carry information you entered while completing the form."

Does that mean I don't need to send paperwork with my original signature on it? Also, does that apply to all the paperwork necessary for the NVC process (pay stubs, tax returns, etcetera)? I'm currently in Afghanistan, so if that's the case, it would certainly be beneficial not to have to wait for papers to be snail-mailed back and forth.

Also...

My situation is a little unique. To give you all the short and sweet, my wife is in Thailand I'm in Afghanistan. In addition, I'm a contract worker for the Department of Defense. I make well over the poverty level, but is the fact I'm earning money in Afghanistan going to be an issue? My idea is to send the NVC my last 3 tax returns (I don't think I have the W-2's, but I have the full tax return filings, so I can send those), and my pay stubs going back to April (which is when I began this job). I can also print out my bank statement and send that if you all think it would help (roughly $20k in the bank). I just want to send everything I can to show I can support my wife when she's in the States in the hopes it will keep the visa from being denied or delayed for RFE reasons.

Also, I saw in another thread something about a letter stating I intend to re-establish residency in the States. Is it not obvious to them that I won't be living in Afghanistan forever? Do I need to complete that? If so, I can send them a copy of my driver's license, motorcycle registration, and my motorcycle insurance (still active). Should I also send them the offer paperwork I sent to the bank to purchase a home? If I'm able to close on the home prior to my wife receiving the visa, then we'll live there, otherwise we'll stay at my parent's place until the closing is complete.

Provided my wife is issued the visa I'll fly to Thailand to get my wife and our son and take them to the States, I will then leave and return to Afghanistan after a few weeks. Is that going to be an issue? Do they even need to know that? Heck, will they even ask if I'm living in Afghanistan since my pay stubs are from a U.S. based company and do not mention Afghanistan?

And one last thing...what's the phone number I call to find out the case number? I've read in a few threads that I should start calling in about a week to get the case number, but have not seen the phone number for that listed anywhere.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide!

Do as the instructions indicate and send scanned copy to NVC.

Its best and easier to obtain tax transcripts from the IRS.

Send something with your year to date earnings on it.

Nothing is obviouse to USCIS. They fill in the holes with RFEs.

My husband lived in Saudi for two years and was paid as you are. He was still considered a resident of the USA as are you.

I would suggest you use your parents home as you must be for other things right now.

You brought this concept of leaving them in the USA once before. This could be a serious concern for USCIS. You must never lie to them but why would you bring this up? USCIS wants assurance that you will provide support for your family. Once you have provided them with that leave it alone. No one thinks you would go through all of this visa business just to deposit a family in the USA but dont expect USCIS to understand.

[ThailandToIndiana 11]

dwheels76...I took a look at the I-864 and it requests information that requires me to list my permanent address (United States) and my physical address (Afghanistan), so I guess I'll be completing the whole "I plan to re-establish residency" paperwork. Thanks for that attachment you provided!

I'll contact the IRS and get my tax returns for the past 3 years. While I've earned my money overseas, I've filed yearly with the IRS. I think having the documents straight from them rather than giving them what I have (the documents prepared by my CPA) will be better.

JoeKwa...I checked and electronic filing is not available for Thailand. Oh well.

Regarding my employment, I work for a civilian company that has a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense, so I don't directly work for the government. Therefore, I don't believe I'll be available for any special consideration. However, I will call the NVC and ask them a few questions to ease my mind, as you suggested.

My wife and I are incredibly excited about starting the next step in this endeavor. She seems to think she'll have her visa in a month, but I told her it will likely take 2 to 3 months. At any rate, it's good to see the light at the end of the tunnel, although that light is still small at the moment.

[ThailandToIndiana 11]

Hi Ning...I'll be requesting my tax transcripts from the IRS today. My most recent pay stub shows my year to date earnings, so that's a plus. I'm using my parent's address as my permanent residence (that's where my pay stubs go, it's the address on my driver's license, etcetera). The whole thing with me living/working in Afghanistan is really what's keeping me up at night. I will call the NVC and see if they can calm my nerves about it.

[Karee 4,191]

You'll want to look here for the steps to speed through NVC:

http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/LingChe_NVC_ShortCut

[dwheels76 5,472]

Good news about physical address is you are a Petitioner filing abroad so that will put you in the fast track lane. But do use parents address so all paper snail mail goes there. So you are ready set go dear. wooo hooo.

[JoeKwa 8]

Best of luck to you buddy. It will all be over before you know it.

[Ning 619]

Hi Ning...I'll be requesting my tax transcripts from the IRS today. My most recent pay stub shows my year to date earnings, so that's a plus. I'm using my parent's address as my permanent residence (that's where my pay stubs go, it's the address on my driver's license, etcetera). The whole thing with me living/working in Afghanistan is really what's keeping me up at night. I will call the NVC and see if they can calm my nerves about it.

You can sleep well because there is always an answer to these things should something come up. Keep in mind there are a lot of people outside the USA that have done what you are as far as obtaining visas. This will be ok. One way to look at this and even to explain it if it required explanation is in the fact that your employment there is temporary. You are there on a contract I assume. That means there is a date certian that your job is done. My guess is you will board the first plane out asap. I dont think this is going to be a problem for you. You have a commitment to the contract you signed but that doesnt exceed the one to your family.

It would be a good idea to go over with your wife exactly what to say if she is asked about your status in the USA. I would make up a plan for exactly how they will live in their lives in those first few months. That will be a very difficult time for them. She needs to feel confident about how things will play out. I dont mean to suggest you are not aware of this but if she is questioned she needs to be confident in her answers.

There are people right here on V J that have a lot of experiance that may be helpful to her when the time comes or evne now. I have called a few Thais to offer support in the past and am now friends with them here in the USA as an example.

[ThailandToIndiana 11]

I checked the IRS website and it listed the time it takes to get W2 forms as 45 days. In addition, it stated it cannot provide the most recent (2011) W2 form. So, I contacted my CPA and he just emailed me the W2 forms for the past 3 years (really need to take that guy out for a few beers when I get back to the States...shocked he had those). At any rate, that's one less thing to worry about. I've got my 1099 forms for those years and will submit those as well just in case the NVC wants to see them (I'm going on the assumption I can never send too much info to the NVC).

Ning...I understand what you're saying about the contract ending (mine ends May 1, 2012), but I'm wondering if that brings into question how I will support my wife once my contract ends. In other words, do they only care about current employment, or are they concerned about future employment as well? My plan is to get my wife and son to the States where they will stay with my parents while I'm in Afghanistan. Once we close on the house (September-ish) they will move into there. The house we're buying is right next door to my parent's house and a 3-minute walk from my sister's house, so she'll have plenty of help nearby until I'm finished working in Afghanistan. My wife is in agreement with this and won't have a problem relaying our plans to whoever interviews her if she's asked for specifics.

[dwheels76 5,472]

I checked the IRS website and it listed the time it takes to get W2 forms as 45 days. In addition, it stated it cannot provide the most recent (2011) W2 form. So, I contacted my CPA and he just emailed me the W2 forms for the past 3 years (really need to take that guy out for a few beers when I get back to the States...shocked he had those). At any rate, that's one less thing to worry about. I've got my 1099 forms for those years and will submit those as well just in case the NVC wants to see them (I'm going on the assumption I can never send too much info to the NVC).

Ning...I understand what you're saying about the contract ending (mine ends May 1, 2012), but I'm wondering if that brings into question how I will support my wife once my contract ends. In other words, do they only care about current employment, or are they concerned about future employment as well? My plan is to get my wife and son to the States where they will stay with my parents while I'm in Afghanistan. Once we close on the house (September-ish) they will move into there. The house we're buying is right next door to my parent's house and a 3-minute walk from my sister's house, so she'll have plenty of help nearby until I'm finished working in Afghanistan. My wife is in agreement with this and won't have a problem relaying our plans to whoever interviews her if she's asked for specifics.

Future work is of no concern.They want to know what you make presently. Nothing more. They don't care about your housing plans, you living with parents or you living out the country.

[Ning 619]

I checked the IRS website and it listed the time it takes to get W2 forms as 45 days. In addition, it stated it cannot provide the most recent (2011) W2 form. So, I contacted my CPA and he just emailed me the W2 forms for the past 3 years (really need to take that guy out for a few beers when I get back to the States...shocked he had those). At any rate, that's one less thing to worry about. I've got my 1099 forms for those years and will submit those as well just in case the NVC wants to see them (I'm going on the assumption I can never send too much info to the NVC).

Ning...I understand what you're saying about the contract ending (mine ends May 1, 2012), but I'm wondering if that brings into question how I will support my wife once my contract ends. In other words, do they only care about current employment, or are they concerned about future employment as well? My plan is to get my wife and son to the States where they will stay with my parents while I'm in Afghanistan. Once we close on the house (September-ish) they will move into there. The house we're buying is right next door to my parent's house and a 3-minute walk from my sister's house, so she'll have plenty of help nearby until I'm finished working in Afghanistan. My wife is in agreement with this and won't have a problem relaying our plans to whoever interviews her if she's asked for specifics.

You may be a little confused about the tax info. A transcript can be mailed to you, faxed to you or handed to you by the IRS. This is free and could be done very easily by fax in your situation. You dont need W 2s. All they need is the transcripts.

They are concerned about your present employment. Any future questions would be connected to the AOS meeting down the road. If you needed to do so you could use a co sponsor at that time.

My husband was able to attend my interview because he lived in Thailand at that time. This brought up the very question you asked. He sent them a short letter explaining what he was doing about employment after we got to the USA. He wasnt even asked about this at the interview but we must remember each case is truly unique. While its obviouse that you will be seeking you might construct a letter explaining what you will do and what you expect to find in your field of work. I would set this aside for now but have it if the need arose.

It seems to me that your plan for the initial time they have in the USA is solid and shows she has the support of your family along with your own. Many people dont enjoy this begining.

[Ning 619]

Future work is of no concern.They want to know what you make presently. Nothing more. They don't care about your housing plans, you living with parents or you living out the country.

This certianly wasnt true in my own case. Nor that of several others I helped with in the recent past. These exact questions came up in the interview of a person where her husband was also living in Afgan. Answered corrctly she was granted her visa. Her husband did as mine did and wrote to them explaning the situation.