[New Member] Just Married; Filed I-130 and I-129F, but is being doubtful.

[Gorjaeous 8]

Hello VisaJourney!

I am Jae, I am Filipino, and I'm a new member here. My husband (USC) and I got married in December 2013, but my husband returned to the US just 50 days after our wedding. Two months later, we received our NSO-issued copy of our marriage certificate. As soon as I received this, I mailed a copy of this, bank certificate of our joint savings account, statement of bank account, passport-sized ID photos to my husband right away. Likewise, as soon as I he got the documents, he gathered and completed all requirements, and sent the I-130 packet to the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox facility on 20 February. Four business days later (26 February), he received I-797C (NOA1) by mail, and immediately arranged the I-129F packet in the hopes of applying for a K-3 visa. He sent the packet to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility on 03 March.

I joined this community on the same day he sent the I-129F, and from reading most threads re: I-130 and I-129F, it looks like the K-3 visa route is not advisable. I discussed this with my husband, but he insisted that we wait for the NOA2 for I-130 or NOA1 for I-129F before we decided on which route to take. In my understanding, there's a greater chance that I-130 and I-129F will move about the same time, and that I-129F will be disregarded/cancelled if I-130 gets approved first. If this happens, K-3 visa application is no longer necessary, and that we will eventually take the CR-1 visa route via I-130.

I have a couple of questions though:

1. Is there a possibility that our case be expedited simply because my husband is in the US Army? Or is it only applicable if he has a mission order and/or is due to leave for deployment?

2. Is it true that a spouse of a USC no longer have to wait for VISA number because this is automatically given/provided when applying for VISA? I might have read this from USCIS, but I'm not so certain if this holds true.

3. Where do I obtain CFO certificate here in Manila?

4. Is it possible for me to travel in my passport bearing my maiden name or would you advise that I have this renewed even if I had renewed just last year (April 2013)?

Thank you, and I look forward to your response.

Jae

Edited March 6, 2014 by Gorjaeous

[TBoneTX 44,533]

Welcome to the forum, Jae! You're right -- the I-129F will probably be closed. Don't worry; simply "go with the flow" of whatever happens, and prepare accordingly.

Others will answer your 4 questions or will direct you to where the answers are found here.

[Gorjaeous 8]

Welcome to the forum, Jae! You're right -- the I-129F will probably be closed. Don't worry; simply "go with the flow" of whatever happens, and prepare accordingly.

Others will answer your 4 questions or will direct you to where the answers are found here.

Thanks for the welcome, TBoneTX! Yes, we're fairly new in the process, so we're basically left with no other choice, but wait.

Cheers,

Jae

[Ryan E 10]

1. It has to be requested. I think it is only applicable if he has mission orders.

2. There is no quota so you are just waiting for them to process your paperwork

3. I can't answer

4. You can travel with your maiden name, you'll need your marriage certificate to show the name change. If you want to have it in your name, then it will be much easier to get a new passport in the Philippines rather than waiting until you are in the US.

From what others are posting and the timelines, you will probably be automatically expedited because you are in the Philippines. They are automatically expediting because of the hurricane and some members have reported very fast processing times.

[Jayr&Kirstine 4]

I-130 is faster this year compared last year. Anyhow, just be prepared with everything. Like for example, I would suggest you renew your passport with your married name, if you have time, coz in the end of your visa journey you still have to undergo with it before you fly to USA . I really do hope and pray there'll be no problem along the way in your USCIS stage coz I know someone who filed May 2013 then I checked on her last January she still wasn't approved idk what's the reason. Her case was so confusing though, she filed same as yours (I'm really not sure though) try to ask USCIS about your situation on what they can advice. But I'm pretty sure yours will be fine. I'm really sorry I can't answer your 1-3 questions. I obtained my CFO certificate here in Cebu. Try to check this website this might help you: http://www.cfo.gov.ph/ and for your question #4 I think you can as long as you have with you a proof that you're married, just in case. But I would suggest you renew your passport. Before you renew it, go to CFO first and bring your CFO certificate when renewing your passport. Good luck and God bless you!

[Ryan E 10]

I would suggest you renew your passport with your married name, if you have time, coz in the end of your visa journey you still have to undergo with it before you fly to USA .

Actually, I don't think it will be a problem as long as she has her marriage certificate with her when traveling. Of course, that is a flimsy paper document which is easy to lose or destroy so changing the passport would avoid that hassle.

See this thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/282149-passport-in-maiden-name-but-greencard-in-married-name/

[Jayr&Kirstine 4]

Actually, I don't think it will be a problem as long as she has her marriage certificate with her when traveling. Of course, that is a flimsy paper document which is easy to lose or destroy so changing the passport would avoid that hassle.

See this thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/282149-passport-in-maiden-name-but-greencard-in-married-name/

Yes, I know. I stated there she can bring with her any proof of marriage when traveling. I was just suggesting if ever she has more time to renew her passport coz she'll be requested to obtain a CFO certificate before she can renew. And CFO certificate is a must before flying to USA. It'd be a good plan to save time tho. Edited March 6, 2014 by Jayr&Kirstine

[Gorjaeous 8]

1. It has to be requested. I think it is only applicable if he has mission orders.

2. There is no quota so you are just waiting for them to process your paperwork

3. I can't answer

4. You can travel with your maiden name, you'll need your marriage certificate to show the name change. If you want to have it in your name, then it will be much easier to get a new passport in the Philippines rather than waiting until you are in the US.

From what others are posting and the timelines, you will probably be automatically expedited because you are in the Philippines. They are automatically expediting because of the hurricane and some members have reported very fast processing times.

Actually, I don't think it will be a problem as long as she has her marriage certificate with her when traveling. Of course, that is a flimsy paper document which is easy to lose or destroy so changing the passport would avoid that hassle.

See this thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/282149-passport-in-maiden-name-but-greencard-in-married-name/

Thanks for the replies, Ryan E! I reckon he had to have mission orders, but since he's in inactive/reserve duty, I don't think there's any chance that my papers will be expedited. And thank you for confirming that I can travel with my passport that has my maiden name on it, but I will also consider you and Jayr&Kristine's suggestion to have my passport renewed sooner to make everything consistent throughout the process.

Again, thank you!

Cheers,

Jae

[Gorjaeous 8]

I-130 is faster this year compared last year. Anyhow, just be prepared with everything. Like for example, I would suggest you renew your passport with your married name, if you have time, coz in the end of your visa journey you still have to undergo with it before you fly to USA . I really do hope and pray there'll be no problem along the way in your USCIS stage coz I know someone who filed May 2013 then I checked on her last January she still wasn't approved idk what's the reason. Her case was so confusing though, she filed same as yours (I'm really not sure though) try to ask USCIS about your situation on what they can advice. But I'm pretty sure yours will be fine. I'm really sorry I can't answer your 1-3 questions. I obtained my CFO certificate here in Cebu. Try to check this website this might help you: http://www.cfo.gov.ph/ and for your question #4 I think you can as long as you have with you a proof that you're married, just in case. But I would suggest you renew your passport. Before you renew it, go to CFO first and bring your CFO certificate when renewing your passport. Good luck and God bless you!

Yes, I know. I stated there she can bring with her any proof of marriage when traveling. I was just suggesting if ever she has more time to renew her passport coz she'll be requested to obtain a CFO certificate before she can renew. And CFO certificate is a must before flying to USA. It'd be a good plan to save time tho.

Hi, Jayr&Kristine! Thanks for the replies. Most especially, thank you for providing the link to CFO website (I know it's dumb; I could have just Google'd it, but thank you). I was able to read through the requirements and its significance from there. I guess I'll have to renew my passport altogether since whether I have it renew or not, I am compelled to secure a CFO certificate/sticker since I'm moving to the US for good.

Ah, I really need to make time to do these things!

On a side note, I am currently employed, and my husband highly discourages me from quitting just yet. Say my petition has been approved, and is for transfer to NVC, do you think resigning from work two months prior to my actual flight is enough to get things done (i.e., appointment with the US Embassy, medical examinations, CFO certification, passport renewal)?

Cheers,

Jae

[Jayr&Kirstine 4]

Hi, Jayr&Kristine! Thanks for the replies. Most especially, thank you for providing the link to CFO website (I know it's dumb; I could have just Google'd it, but thank you). I was able to read through the requirements and its significance from there. I guess I'll have to renew my passport altogether since whether I have it renew or not, I am compelled to secure a CFO certificate/sticker since I'm moving to the US for good.

Ah, I really need to make time to do these things!

On a side note, I am currently employed, and my husband highly discourages me from quitting just yet. Say my petition has been approved, and is for transfer to NVC, do you think resigning from work two months prior to my actual flight is enough to get things done (i.e., appointment with the US Embassy, medical examinations, CFO certification, passport renewal)?

Cheers,

Jae

Yes, I agree with your husband on not quitting your job just yet coz it'll take months before you can proceed with your interview. You will do a lot of preparation once your approved. When you received your NOA2, by that time you'll get pretty busy(not that much tho). Like your husband have to prepare the AOS package(affidavit of support) wherein your husband should gather ASAP his taxes and w2's and IV package (immigrant visa) which you yourself will prepare and send everything to your hubby this includes your (applicant's/benificiary's) civil documents eg. NBI, Birth certificate, Marriage certificate (I'm afraid I forget something else) each of it can be done in a day. And I think 1 month is enough for the medical examination and interview until you get you visa in hand after 3-4 days from your approval. Like our agency we hired said medical examination is advised to be done 2weeks or 1 week at least before the interview. But as many others said it can be done anytime and medical reports are valid for 6 months. I don't have work now but during NVC stage I'm stucked in the house from December to February and hoping for next week to get case complete. So I can proceed with medical examination already. And yeah, I talk too much, a month is enough. God bless on your journey. And before I forget, you can obtain your CFO certificate and passport renewal while waiting for your approval in the USCIS stage it will take a day or 2. Again, God bless!

[Gorjaeous 8]

Yes, I agree with your husband on not quitting your job just yet coz it'll take months before you can proceed with your interview. You will do a lot of preparation once your approved. When you received your NOA2, by that time you'll get pretty busy(not that much tho). Like your husband have to prepare the AOS package(affidavit of support) wherein your husband should gather ASAP his taxes and w2's and IV package (immigrant visa) which you yourself will prepare and send everything to your hubby this includes your (applicant's/benificiary's) civil documents eg. NBI, Birth certificate, Marriage certificate (I'm afraid I forget something else) each of it can be done in a day. And I think 1 month is enough for the medical examination and interview until you get you visa in hand after 3-4 days from your approval. Like our agency we hired said medical examination is advised to be done 2weeks or 1 week at least before the interview. But as many others said it can be done anytime and medical reports are valid for 6 months. I don't have work now but during NVC stage I'm stucked in the house from December to February and hoping for next week to get case complete. So I can proceed with medical examination already. And yeah, I talk too much, a month is enough. God bless on your journey. And before I forget, you can obtain your CFO certificate and passport renewal while waiting for your approval in the USCIS stage it will take a day or 2. Again, God bless!

Hello again, Jayr&Kristine! You are a gem. I am sending you reply to my husband's email for his reference. Your recommendations are duly noted. On second thought, yeah, I might stay a tad bit longer. Either I'm so looking forward to my application's progress or I'm just burnt out with work. Too late to switch companies now, though.

Anyway, many thanks. You've been really helpful!

Cheers,

Jae

[Jayr&Kirstine 4]

Yes, I agree with your husband on not quitting your job just yet coz it'll take months before you can proceed with your interview. You will do a lot of preparation once you're approve. When you receive your NOA2, by that time you'll get pretty busy(not that much tho). Like, your husband have to prepare the AOS package(affidavit of support) wherein your husband should gather ASAP his taxes and w2's and IV package (immigrant visa) which you yourself will prepare and send everything to your hubby this includes your (applicant's/benificiary's) civil documents eg. NBI, Birth certificate, Marriage certificate (I'm afraid I forget something else) each of it can be done in a day. And I think 1 month is enough for the medical examination and interview until you get you visa in hand after 3-4 days from your approval. Like our agency we hired said medical examination is advised to be done 2weeks or 1 week at least before the interview. But as many others said it can be done anytime and medical reports are valid for 6 months. I don't have work now but during NVC stage I'm stucked in the house from December to February and hoping for next week to get case complete. So I can proceed with medical examination already. And yeah, I talk too much, a month is enough. God bless on your journey. And before I forget, you can obtain your CFO certificate and passport renewal while waiting for your approval in the USCIS stage it will take a day or 2. Again, God bless!

[Jayr&Kirstine 4]

Hello again, Jayr&Kristine! You are a gem. I am sending you reply to my husband's email for his reference. Your recommendations are duly noted. On second thought, yeah, I might stay a tad bit longer. Either I'm so looking forward to my application's progress or I'm just burnt out with work. Too late to switch companies now, though.

Anyway, many thanks. You've been really helpful!

Cheers,

Jae

You're very much welcome! I'm glad to have been of help.

[Messybrownhair 251]

They will not expedite simply because he is in the military, but there is a USCIS military hotline that you can utilize, if and when you need to contact USCIS. If he has deployment orders, you can use that to expedite your case by presenting the orders or providing a letter from the commanding officer that has information about the upcoming deployment. I was able to expedite my AOS that way. Hopefully your process will be quick. Goodluck!

Edited March 6, 2014 by Messybrownhair

[Harmon-y 32]

You can get your US passport renewed for free if it is less than one year since you got the last one and you have a name change. I would jump on that! http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/services/correction.html