How far ahead?

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

We are currently going through the I-130 petition and at this present time are at the initial review stage, have been for four & a half months now.

What I would like to know is:-

1. How far ahead should I apply for the ACRO Police certificate? Are they valid for a certain amount of time?

2. When to get all my vaccinations done? I want to get as many as I can done at my local doctors rather than at the medical.

I just want to be prepared in advance, but don't want to get all these things done if I have to wait a long time...

Would really appreciate some guidance from you knowledgeable peeps, as I really am at a loss as to what to do.

Thank you in advance

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

We are currently going through the I-130 petition and at this present time are at the initial review stage, have been for four & a half months now.

What I would like to know is:-

1. How far ahead should I apply for the ACRO Police certificate? Are they valid for a certain amount of time?

2. When to get all my vaccinations done? I want to get as many as I can done at my local doctors rather than at the medical.

I just want to be prepared in advance, but don't want to get all these things done if I have to wait a long time...

Would really appreciate some guidance from you knowledgeable peeps, as I really am at a loss as to what to do.

Thank you in advance

Police certificates are good for 12 months.

Vaccinations are good forever, so get started.

The first post in this K1 thread lists the shots you will need. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/350185-london-2012-k1s-from-noa2-to-interview-thread/ The whole to do list in the thread has things that won't apply to a CR1 so don't follow it to the letter. But ordering tax transcripts, police certificate, renewing passport if about to expire, and the shots are common to both visas. Also the Last item has a link to documents required for interview. You're going to need yours sooner than the interview because they get sent to NVC, so check the list to make sure you have in hand all that apply to you. If it doesn't apply, ie military info, then ignore it. Read the documents needed list in detail and click any links that give further information.

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

Well thank you kindly for your response.

I have issues with a few documents immigration will need...

1. Tax transcripts from my hubby. The reason being is because he's only been working since the end of February 2012 so doesn't have any tax returns as of yet. I know he can get a letter from his employer stating his position within the company, wages etc but that's it. He is earning enough to support me though.

2. My birth certificate is in a name I haven't been called since I was five. I took on my step fathers surname when he came along but wasn't officially adopted. My passport was originally in the name of my steps fathers too and is now in my married name.

I am so confused with all this, I don't know whether I'm coming or going.

I have made an appointment with the nurse to review my vaccinations & hopefully get what I need.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Well thank you kindly for your response.

I have issues with a few documents immigration will need...

1. Tax transcripts from my hubby. The reason being is because he's only been working since the end of February 2012 so doesn't have any tax returns as of yet. I know he can get a letter from his employer stating his position within the company, wages etc but that's it. He is earning enough to support me though.

2. My birth certificate is in a name I haven't been called since I was five. I took on my step fathers surname when he came along but wasn't officially adopted. My passport was originally in the name of my steps fathers too and is now in my married name.

I am so confused with all this, I don't know whether I'm coming or going.

I have made an appointment with the nurse to review my vaccinations & hopefully get what I need.

Tax info: very strict rules because as a CR1 you need an I-864 Affidavit of Support. Download the form instructions and read. Basically he either supplies tax return info and 1 tax return or a written explanation why he was not required to file. It should be specific like " I was not required to file a tax return in 2011 because I was a full time student and only earned $1234.56 in 2011. I was not required to file a tax return in 2010 because I was unemployed and earned $0.". Something like that. If he can prove his current I come is over the poverty line, it may be enough. Employer letter and 6 most recent pay stubs is suggested. And if your case drags on long enough, he may have his 2012 tax return done in time.

If they don't accept your husband's income proof as sufficient, then they will tell you at the interview to get a joint sponsor. Delay of visa then. He could line up one in advance to also do an I-864 and supply all the income evidence and tax transcripts plus proof of their US citizenship. Then if the interviewer tells you hubby's isn't enough, you could pull out the joint sponsor things. It would be a back-up plan in case needed, but not used until necessary.

Birth certificate: remember I told you to read the required document list and follow all the "for further information" links? The further detail about the birth certificate has this info--

If you use a different name from the one shown on the birth certificate, you must produce a document explaining the use of such a name. Most commonly presented documents available as evidence include baptismal certificate/record, a deed poll and/or school records showing early use of name. 

So find some dated documents showing you using the name in school records, shot records, medical records. Your marriage certificate explains the married name change, so no problem with the passport.

Nurse: remember a NHS nurse is not an authority on US immigration. She may tell you something on the list is not necessary because of British standards. You are meeting US rules and need what's listed except varicella probably. For everybody, it's excused if you tell them you had chickenpox. For CR1s it can be waived based on "not routinely available" in the UK. You don't have to order a special vaccination not given normally in the UK. It will be waived and you never get it for immigration.

You may have to go get your flu shot at Tesxo, Boots, ASDA, etc before your medical exam. Many NHS doctors don't give the shot unless you are elderly. Take the proof you get from the place that gives you the shot to your medical exam. If March 31 rolls around, then no flu shot is needed because flu season is over.

[Penny Pincher 11]

regarding meningococceal vaccine.. did you guys get it from UK Medical exam as well? TIA

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

regarding meningococceal vaccine.. did you guys get it from UK Medical exam as well? TIA

It is not required except for those 11-18 years old for immigration to the US.

The Center for Disease Control suggests it as a good idea to certain at-risk adults in the US, but it's not on the immigration requirement list.

Other People at Increased Risk

• College freshmen living in dormitories.

• Laboratory personnel who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria.

• U.S. military recruits.

• Anyone traveling to, or living in, a part of the world where meningococcal disease is common, such as parts of Africa.

• Anyone who has a damaged spleen, or whose spleen has been removed.

• Anyone who has persistent complement component deficiency (an immune system disorder).

• People who might have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak.

Edited November 21, 2012 by Nich-Nick