DS-230 and I-864 questions

[RobEnglish 0]

Hi, sorry in advance for many questions! Any help would be much appreciated.

1. On the DS-230 form, 31a, it asks to list “Person(s) named in 14 and 29 who will accompany you to the United States now”. Only my wife is named, in section 14. She is a US citizen and is currently living in the United States. Do I need to include her name in section 31a? She isn’t going to “accompany” me because she is already there. However, I note the green card is to be sent to a USA address, so maybe she is meant to bring the green card and accompany me?

2. When my wife received the AOS invoice, there was also a page to fill out for “choice of address or agent”. I just realised, this never got completed and sent. Do we have to submit this, and if so, do we have to send it before my wife send AOS paperwork?

3. My wife’s address has changed. Who do we notify? Is there a formal procedure for notifying NVC or can I just email them? Or even by just putting the new address on the forms without directly mentioning the change.

4. While the visa process is on-going, can I still travel to the US on the visa waiver program?

5. On this page: http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/fees_5455.html?cid=8993

It says that I need to: “obtain a statement from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Criminal Records Office. Applicants will find further guidance and application forms here.” The linked page is: http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/%20http://www.acro.police.uk/police_certificates.aspx. But the link is dead! Any advice on getting the police certificate would be appreciated. Unfortunately, I’m not in the UK right now, which makes it a bit more difficult. (In fact, this whole process is double-stressful because of current circumstances!)

6. For the AOS, I note there are forms I-864, I-864A, I-864W, or I-864EZ. I presume I-864 is the one we need to file. And the petitioner and co-sponsor both need to fill out an I-864. And it needs to be completed in capital letters – even if typed?

7. The AOS form that officially expired on 30-09-2012 is definitely still valid?

8. I came across the following online: “Give the completed affidavit of support with all required documentation to the sponsored immigrant to file with either: a Consular Officer with a completed Form OF-230, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, or an Immigration Officer with a completed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status”. What’s the OF-230 and I-485?

Thank you!

[dwheels76 5,469]

Hi, sorry in advance for many questions! Any help would be much appreciated.

1. On the DS-230 form, 31a, it asks to list "Person(s) named in 14 and 29 who will accompany you to the United States now". Only my wife is named, in section 14. She is a US citizen and is currently living in the United States. Do I need to include her name in section 31a? She isn't going to "accompany" me because she is already there. However, I note the green card is to be sent to a USA address, so maybe she is meant to bring the green card and accompany me?

2. When my wife received the AOS invoice, there was also a page to fill out for "choice of address or agent". I just realised, this never got completed and sent. Do we have to submit this, and if so, do we have to send it before my wife send AOS paperwork?

3. My wife's address has changed. Who do we notify? Is there a formal procedure for notifying NVC or can I just email them? Or even by just putting the new address on the forms without directly mentioning the change.

4. While the visa process is on-going, can I still travel to the US on the visa waiver program?

5. On this page: http://travel.state....5.html?cid=8993

It says that I need to: "obtain a statement from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Criminal Records Office. Applicants will find further guidance and application forms here." The linked page is: http://travel.state....tificates.aspx. But the link is dead! Any advice on getting the police certificate would be appreciated. Unfortunately, I'm not in the UK right now, which makes it a bit more difficult. (In fact, this whole process is double-stressful because of current circumstances!)

6. For the AOS, I note there are forms I-864, I-864A, I-864W, or I-864EZ. I presume I-864 is the one we need to file. And the petitioner and co-sponsor both need to fill out an I-864. And it needs to be completed in capital letters – even if typed?

7. The AOS form that officially expired on 30-09-2012 is definitely still valid?

8. I came across the following online: "Give the completed affidavit of support with all required documentation to the sponsored immigrant to file with either: a Consular Officer with a completed Form OF-230, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, or an Immigration Officer with a completed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status". What's the OF-230 and I-485?

Thank you!

You are reading alot of really old stuff here and there. Okay best thing to do is immediately come here to the NVC filers thread and read post #1 and #2. Any questions you have ask there very great knowledgeable folk there. Okay here you go.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/422214-nvc-filers-april-2013/

[Saylin 1,605]

Hi, sorry in advance for many questions! Any help would be much appreciated.

1. On the DS-230 form, 31a, it asks to list "Person(s) named in 14 and 29 who will accompany you to the United States now". Only my wife is named, in section 14. She is a US citizen and is currently living in the United States. Do I need to include her name in section 31a? She isn't going to "accompany" me because she is already there. However, I note the green card is to be sent to a USA address, so maybe she is meant to bring the green card and accompany me?

2. When my wife received the AOS invoice, there was also a page to fill out for "choice of address or agent". I just realised, this never got completed and sent. Do we have to submit this, and if so, do we have to send it before my wife send AOS paperwork?

3. My wife's address has changed. Who do we notify? Is there a formal procedure for notifying NVC or can I just email them? Or even by just putting the new address on the forms without directly mentioning the change.

4. While the visa process is on-going, can I still travel to the US on the visa waiver program?

5. On this page: http://travel.state....5.html?cid=8993

It says that I need to: "obtain a statement from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Criminal Records Office. Applicants will find further guidance and application forms here." The linked page is: http://travel.state....tificates.aspx. But the link is dead! Any advice on getting the police certificate would be appreciated. Unfortunately, I'm not in the UK right now, which makes it a bit more difficult. (In fact, this whole process is double-stressful because of current circumstances!)

6. For the AOS, I note there are forms I-864, I-864A, I-864W, or I-864EZ. I presume I-864 is the one we need to file. And the petitioner and co-sponsor both need to fill out an I-864. And it needs to be completed in capital letters – even if typed?

7. The AOS form that officially expired on 30-09-2012 is definitely still valid?

8. I came across the following online: "Give the completed affidavit of support with all required documentation to the sponsored immigrant to file with either: a Consular Officer with a completed Form OF-230, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, or an Immigration Officer with a completed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status". What's the OF-230 and I-485?

Thank you!

1. This question is actually asking about people IMMIGRATING with you. Since your spouse is a US citizen, she's obviously not immigrating with you. So put 'none'.

2. The DS-3032 can be sent whenever. It's part of the IV track, which has nothing to do with the AOS track. Your IV bill won't be invoiced though until NVC receives your DS-3032. Follow the email template found here on VJ.

3. Call up NVC and give them the new address. Make sure to use the new address on all future forms.

4. Yes, but you'll need to bring proof you're returning as you can get denied entry.

5. Read about UK documents here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/fees_5455.html?cid=8993#docs

6. Yes, fill out the I-864 (petitioner and co sponsor). Doesn't need to be completed in capital letters. It was typed normally on our forms and we had no issues.

7. Make sure you're always getting the most up to date forms, found here: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=b70f8875d714d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD Remember, that "expiration date" isn't actually the form's expiration; it's for OMB. If you want to read more, read post 2 here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/80942-ds-230-is-expire-today/

8. That's really outdated. First off, the OF-230 is now called the DS-230. The I-485 is for those Adjusting Status within the US. So, ignore that bit as it doesn't apply to you. You send in the DS-230 (as part of the IV package) to NVC, just like the AOS package.

Please follow the link Dwheels provided as the first two posts I put together that will help guide you through this process.

[RobEnglish 0]

Thank you very much for your replies and invaluable information!

A few more comments / questions in relation to your replies (I’m keeping the numbers as they relate to the questions and answers above):

2. The IV bill was invoiced and now I’m completing the DS-230. What is a DS-3032?

5. Police records. You suggested to read about UK documents at http://travel.state....l?cid=8993#docs – I had seen that. But under the police certificates section, there is a link, but the link is dead. However, I googled the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Criminal Records Office and found the application form. Another form! No peace for the wicked (or even those without a criminal record!)

8. Amazing that the NVC website has dead links and references to forms that have been superseded! It's really not helpful, is it.

Thanks again for your help. I'll start browsing the NVC filers thread next. I didn’t know it existed.

[Saylin 1,605]

Thank you very much for your replies and invaluable information!

A few more comments / questions in relation to your replies (I'm keeping the numbers as they relate to the questions and answers above):

2. The IV bill was invoiced and now I'm completing the DS-230. What is a DS-3032?

5. Police records. You suggested to read about UK documents at http://travel.state....l?cid=8993#docs – I had seen that. But under the police certificates section, there is a link, but the link is dead. However, I googled the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Criminal Records Office and found the application form. Another form! No peace for the wicked (or even those without a criminal record!)

8. Amazing that the NVC website has dead links and references to forms that have been superseded! It's really not helpful, is it.

Thanks again for your help. I'll start browsing the NVC filers thread next. I didn't know it existed.

2. The DS-3032 is a form to choose an agent on the beneficiary's behalf. The IV bill isn't invoiced until it's received and added to the case file. Did the beneficiary already send it? Or do you have a lawyer on your case (in which they're automatically elected as agent, so no need for the DS-3032)?

5. Glad you managed to find the form!

8. That was on the NVC site? I figured it was something you merely saw here on this site from years ago. Where exactly on the NVC site did you see this?

[RobEnglish 0]

Thanks Saylin. In answer to your questions:

2. It’s confusing because we delayed everything for some time, having made the AOS payment, which subsequently expired due to our delays (things seemed to change and we nearly settled in the UK instead, before changing back to the USA plan). So we did send the form to say, I think, that we don’t need to use an agent, and made the original AOS payment. Then after things changed back and I notified NVC, they sent a new form re “choice of agent” – this time we didn’t send it. It’s confusing because online it shows we need to make the AOS again, but the website won’t let us do this online. I just found out that this is because of the expired payment – so the repeat payment has to be made by alternative methods (e.g. money order). Hoping to do this with a friend’s help via his US bank account because my wife and I are both travelling overseas right now and we need to get this paid asap.

8. The reference to the OF-230 is on this page: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=15d05d4c6608e010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD - still very much a live page albeit with outdated information!

Thanks, and best wishes.

[Saylin 1,605]

Thanks Saylin. In answer to your questions:

2. It’s confusing because we delayed everything for some time, having made the AOS payment, which subsequently expired due to our delays (things seemed to change and we nearly settled in the UK instead, before changing back to the USA plan). So we did send the form to say, I think, that we don’t need to use an agent, and made the original AOS payment. Then after things changed back and I notified NVC, they sent a new form re “choice of agent” – this time we didn’t send it. It’s confusing because online it shows we need to make the AOS again, but the website won’t let us do this online. I just found out that this is because of the expired payment – so the repeat payment has to be made by alternative methods (e.g. money order). Hoping to do this with a friend’s help via his US bank account because my wife and I are both travelling overseas right now and we need to get this paid asap.

8. The reference to the OF-230 is on this page: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=15d05d4c6608e010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD - still very much a live page albeit with outdated information!

Thanks, and best wishes.

2. I didn't know payments could "expire"

8. Oh, that's USCIS, not NVC. Two different departments. But regardless, they should update that little tidbit, not only with the updated form name, but also about the process.

Edited May 11, 2013 by Saylin

[RobEnglish 0]

2. I didn't know payments could "expire"

8. Oh, that's USCIS, not NVC. Two different departments. But regardless, they should update that little tidbit, not only with the updated form name, but also about the process.

If you don't continue with the next stage and a year passes, apparently they do! But we're lucky that we could still resume from where we left off, even though we have to pay $88 again (a small price to pay, I guess)

Yes, two different departments, but both providing information about the process etc., and some of the information is outdated. Not helpful, is it?!

All the best!

[Saylin 1,605]

If you don't continue with the next stage and a year passes, apparently they do! But we're lucky that we could still resume from where we left off, even though we have to pay $88 again (a small price to pay, I guess)

Yes, two different departments, but both providing information about the process etc., and some of the information is outdated. Not helpful, is it?!

All the best!

Well, then, you learn something new every day! At least it was the AOS bill you have to pay again and not the IV.

Paying $88 again > $230.

And yes, even though they're two different departments, they should have up to date information. But this is the US government we're talking about

[RobEnglish 0]

Hi,

I’m back again! I have a few more questions, if anyone can help, please?

Regarding the I-864, Affidavit of Support:

(1) Regarding question 1 on the I-864: my wife is the petitioner and our friend is a joint sponsor. Even though technically between them they are “joint sponsors”, it looks like one is regarded as the petitioner and only one is a joint sponsor. Is this right? So, regarding question 8: “I am sponsoring the principal immigrant named in Part 2 above” – do both the petitioner and the joint sponsor need to say “yes” to this?

(2) Regarding question 21, Household. My wife needs to include herself, of course, and then the form asks if she is currently married – yes, = “1”. Part “h” says: “Add together lines and enter the number here” which means household size is “2”. But her household size is currently “1” and I will be the second person – but right now only 1. It seems a bit misleading. Is it okay to write “2” as total household size, even though I WILL BE the second person, but I'm not there yet?

(3) Our joint sponsor has raised a concern, which I hope won’t bring bad news. Does a joint sponsor have any financial liability if I were to, for example, default on a loan, medical care etc.? Please can anyone advise me further?

This has been a complicated process with many delays and difficulties, but I hope it will all be resolved very, very soon. It would have been much more difficult without all the help on this forum. Thank you!

[NikLR 13,232]

1 - yes

2 - beneficiary plus sponsor equals 2. Do not count anyone twice.

3 - no. Only if the beneficiary uses means tested benefits.

[RobEnglish 0]

...At least it was the AOS bill you have to pay again and not the IV.

Paying $88 again > $230.

That's very true!

3 - no. Only if the beneficiary uses means tested benefits.

Thanks again, NikiR.

But please can you elaborate on that, just so I fully understand and can reassure our friend ?

[NikLR 13,232]

Read the contract, the guides on the NVC website and the instructions for the I-864. Should have everything they need. They'd go after petitioner first. Lol.

[RobEnglish 0]

Ok, I read those before, but will re-read.

Ready to send my IV application form now. However, I’m about to make a two-week trip to the USA. Wondering if I can send it from there – or does it have to be postmarked from the UK (home country)?

Looking forward to posting good news here in future, instead of questions!

thanks!

[RobEnglish 0]

Read the contract, the guides on the NVC website and the instructions for the I-864. Should have everything they need. They'd go after petitioner first. Lol.

PS: I've read what I could find on the NVC website and also the I-864 instructions. I’m not sure which contract you refer to? And none of the information I’ve seen so far mentions anything about defaulting on a loan or medical care etc. Any ideas? Thanks