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New Member: Where To Start... Texan to Marry Swiss

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abrandt007 Rookie

abrandt007   0

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Filed: Other Timeline
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Hello:

I have no idea what is UP and DOWN at this moment! LOL!

I am 63... live in Texas, U.S.A.

Future wife 56... lives in Switzerland.

We want to be married in Switzerland...

and want to be able to return together to the U.S.A. when we choose.

The Swiss Consulate - Atlanta GA - has referred me to the requirements listed at:

Any help and guidance would be appreciated.

Thank you much in advance,

~ Alan

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Lenny&Sanna Rising Star

Lenny&Sanna   114

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Finland
 Timeline
Posted

Welcome to the site Alan :)

I-129F Petition
Service Center: Texas Service Center
I-129F Sent: 3/17/14
I-129F NOA1: 3/24/14
Alien Registration Number Changed: 3/25/14
I-129F NOA2: 8/25/14
Sent to NVC: 8/28/14
NVC Received: 9/8/14
Case # Assigned: 9/9/14
Left NVC: 9/11/14
Consulate Received: 9/16/14
Packet 3 Received (Instructions/Checklist): 9/19/14
Packet 3 Completed: 9/23/14
Medical Scheduled: 10/15/14
Packet 4 Received (Appointment Date): 10/2/14
Interview Date (Helsinki Consulate): 10/27/14
Interview Result: APPROVED!
Visa Received: 10/31/14
POE/Baltimore (BWI): 12/9/14
Married: 1/12/15
 
Adjustment of Status I-485
Service Center: National Benefits Center
I-485 Sent: 1/24/15
Delivered to Chicago Lockbox: 1/27/15
Check Cashed by USCIS: 2/2/15
NOA 1: 1/30/15
Biometrics Appointment: 3/13/15
Biometrics Completed (USCIS Baltimore) 3/13/15
Letter from DHS Advising of Potentially no Interview Required for our Case: 6/15/15
Case Transferred to Kansas City Missouri Field Office: 1/26/16
RFE Received Wanting a New Vaccination Supplement: 2/4/16
Appointment Scheduled with Civil Surgeon: 2/15/16
Appointment Cancelled due to Weather Conditions: 2/15/16
Appointment Re-Scheduled with Civil Surgeon: 2/16/16
Civil Surgeon Completed I-693 Vaccination Supplement Needed: 2/16/16
RFE Response Sent to Kansas City Field Office via USPS: 2/16/16
Delivered to USCIS Field Office by USPS: 2/19/16
Signed Return Receipt Receipt in Mail from USCIS: 2/22/16
I-485 Notification Application APPROVED - No Interview: 2/23/16
NOA 2 Approval Notice Received Through Mail: 2/27/16
Green Card Sent Through Mail Notification: 2/26/16
Received Card in Mail: 3/2/16
 
Employment Authorization I-765
Service Center: National Benefits Center
I-765 Sent: 1/24/15
Delivered to Chicago Lockbox: 1/27/15
NOA 1: 1/30/15
Biometrics Appointment: 3/13/15
Biometrics Completed (USCIS Baltimore) 3/13/15
EAD Approved: 3/30/15
Received Card in Mail: 4/8/15
---------------------------------------------
Sent Renewal I-765 to Chicago Lockbox: 1/30/16
Delivered to Chicago Lockbox: 2/3/16
NOA 1: 2/8/16
Biometrics Appointment: 3/2/16
No need to get them done due to getting Green Card
 
Removal of Conditions on Residence I-751
Service Center: Vermont Service Center
I-751 Sent: 1/16/18
Delivered to Center: 1/19/18
 NOA 1: 1/24/18
Case Approved: 4/2/19
GC Received in Mail: 4/15/19
 
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abrandt007 Rookie

abrandt007   0

Posted
Filed: Other Timeline
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Welcome to the site Alan :)

Thank you, Lenny & Sanna!

Whew!!!... you all have a serious road map under your belts!!!

Congratulations!!!

I'm just ready and willing to learn where to start right out the gate!!! LOL!

Thank you for the welcome!

~ Alan

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TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   45,291

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
 Timeline
Posted

Welcome, Alan.

See the Guides for CR-1, as a start.

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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Lenny&Sanna Rising Star

Lenny&Sanna   114

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Finland
 Timeline
Posted

Thank you, Lenny & Sanna!

Whew!!!... you all have a serious road map under your belts!!!

Congratulations!!!

I'm just ready and willing to learn where to start right out the gate!!! LOL!

Thank you for the welcome!

~ Alan

You're very welcome and thank you for the congratulations as well!!! It has been quite the lengthy and time consuming journey and a bit stressful at time, but it is all worth it in the end I can promise you :) My best advice is to seriously follow the guides that they have listed on this site, read others experiences, go to each forum and read the "stickies" posted at the top of the forums and follow them, post and ask questions if need be and you are unsure of something..... we simply followed everything on this site and we made out just fine :) Good luck with it and don't hesitate to get involved with the community hear and ask question as everyone is quite helpful and supportive :)

I-129F Petition
Service Center: Texas Service Center
I-129F Sent: 3/17/14
I-129F NOA1: 3/24/14
Alien Registration Number Changed: 3/25/14
I-129F NOA2: 8/25/14
Sent to NVC: 8/28/14
NVC Received: 9/8/14
Case # Assigned: 9/9/14
Left NVC: 9/11/14
Consulate Received: 9/16/14
Packet 3 Received (Instructions/Checklist): 9/19/14
Packet 3 Completed: 9/23/14
Medical Scheduled: 10/15/14
Packet 4 Received (Appointment Date): 10/2/14
Interview Date (Helsinki Consulate): 10/27/14
Interview Result: APPROVED!
Visa Received: 10/31/14
POE/Baltimore (BWI): 12/9/14
Married: 1/12/15
 
Adjustment of Status I-485
Service Center: National Benefits Center
I-485 Sent: 1/24/15
Delivered to Chicago Lockbox: 1/27/15
Check Cashed by USCIS: 2/2/15
NOA 1: 1/30/15
Biometrics Appointment: 3/13/15
Biometrics Completed (USCIS Baltimore) 3/13/15
Letter from DHS Advising of Potentially no Interview Required for our Case: 6/15/15
Case Transferred to Kansas City Missouri Field Office: 1/26/16
RFE Received Wanting a New Vaccination Supplement: 2/4/16
Appointment Scheduled with Civil Surgeon: 2/15/16
Appointment Cancelled due to Weather Conditions: 2/15/16
Appointment Re-Scheduled with Civil Surgeon: 2/16/16
Civil Surgeon Completed I-693 Vaccination Supplement Needed: 2/16/16
RFE Response Sent to Kansas City Field Office via USPS: 2/16/16
Delivered to USCIS Field Office by USPS: 2/19/16
Signed Return Receipt Receipt in Mail from USCIS: 2/22/16
I-485 Notification Application APPROVED - No Interview: 2/23/16
NOA 2 Approval Notice Received Through Mail: 2/27/16
Green Card Sent Through Mail Notification: 2/26/16
Received Card in Mail: 3/2/16
 
Employment Authorization I-765
Service Center: National Benefits Center
I-765 Sent: 1/24/15
Delivered to Chicago Lockbox: 1/27/15
NOA 1: 1/30/15
Biometrics Appointment: 3/13/15
Biometrics Completed (USCIS Baltimore) 3/13/15
EAD Approved: 3/30/15
Received Card in Mail: 4/8/15
---------------------------------------------
Sent Renewal I-765 to Chicago Lockbox: 1/30/16
Delivered to Chicago Lockbox: 2/3/16
NOA 1: 2/8/16
Biometrics Appointment: 3/2/16
No need to get them done due to getting Green Card
 
Removal of Conditions on Residence I-751
Service Center: Vermont Service Center
I-751 Sent: 1/16/18
Delivered to Center: 1/19/18
 NOA 1: 1/24/18
Case Approved: 4/2/19
GC Received in Mail: 4/15/19
 
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Boiler Grand Master

Boiler   45,516

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
 Timeline
Posted

Will you be moving to Switzerland, and want to visit when you want, can she not use the VWP to visit? I am unclear exactly what your plans are.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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abrandt007 Rookie

abrandt007   0

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Filed: Other Timeline
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Will you be moving to Switzerland, and want to visit when you want, can she not use the VWP to visit? I am unclear exactly what your plans are.

Hello, Boiler:

It is shaping up that I will be relocating to Switzerland (close to Zurich) since Daniela has a beautiful and active family there.

Apparently Swiss cities have some level of autonomy in regards to Swiss Citizen marriages with foreign nationals.

She is postal mailing this documentation to (in Swiss-German)... which states we can marry after I am in the country for 10 days... (very different than what the Swiss Consulate (Atlanta) requires).

1. Relocate to Switzerland

2. Simultaneously apply to U.S. Immigration for Daniela

I apologize... NOT very articulate... I am truly at the **starting blocks** so I know I sound like a complete newby!!! LOL!!!

How did I do? LOL!

Thank you much in advance,

~ Alan

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Boiler Grand Master

Boiler   45,516

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
 Timeline
Posted

Hello, Boiler:

It is shaping up that I will be relocating to Switzerland (close to Zurich) since Daniela has a beautiful and active family there.

Apparently Swiss cities have some level of autonomy in regards to Swiss Citizen marriages with foreign nationals.

She is postal mailing this documentation to (in Swiss-German)... which states we can marry after I am in the country for 10 days... (very different than what the Swiss Consulate (Atlanta) requires).

1. Relocate to Switzerland

2. Simultaneously apply to U.S. Immigration for Daniela

I apologize... NOT very articulate... I am truly at the **starting blocks** so I know I sound like a complete newby!!! LOL!!!

How did I do? LOL!

Thank you much in advance,

~ Alan

When do you expect to be moving back to the US?

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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abrandt007 Rookie

abrandt007   0

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Posted (edited)

When do you expect to be moving back to the US?

Howdy, Boiler:

I am in a complete state of: "NOT KNOWING" !!!

This has all come as a wonderful surprise... I know we will want to visit... DON'T KNOW if we'll actually move back to the U.S.A.

BTW: The following RESTRICTION is being displayed:

You can make 5 more posts until Today, 03:36 PM. This restriction is in place until Today, 03:19 PM

Edited by abrandt007
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Boiler Grand Master

Boiler   45,516

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
 Timeline
Posted

Howdy, Boiler:

I am in a complete state of: "NOT KNOWING" !!!

This has all come as a wonderful surprise... I know we will want to visit... DON'T KNOW if we'll actually move back to the U.S.A.

There is not anything you need to do until you want to, if you ever do, currently takes about a year, so not something you can do on the fly.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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abrandt007 Rookie

abrandt007   0

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Posted (edited)

There is not anything you need to do until you want to, if you ever do, currently takes about a year, so not something you can do on the fly.

I think it makes sense to start the process now... instead of later... so where to begin? ;)

It does not make good sense to procrastinate, yes?

BTW: There is a restriction on my posting:

"You can make 4 more posts until Today, 03:36 PM. This restriction is in place until Today, 03:19 PM"

Edited by abrandt007
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Boiler Grand Master

Boiler   45,516

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
 Timeline
Posted

I think it makes sense to start the process now... instead of later... so where to begin? ;)

It does not make good sense to procrastinate, yes?

BTW: There is a restriction on my posting:

"You can make 4 more posts until Today, 03:36 PM. This restriction is in place until Today, 03:19 PM"

Get married

File for an Immigrant Visa.

Once she has an immigrant visa she has 6 months to use it to immigrate to the US.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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abrandt007 Rookie

abrandt007   0

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Filed: Other Timeline
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Posted (edited)

Get married

File for an Immigrant Visa.

Once she has an immigrant visa she has 6 months to use it to immigrate to the US.

Boiler:

I very much appreciate having this **SIMPLIFIED** understanding for immigration requirements and compliance!

Does immigrate require moving to the U.S....

or can it just allow for visits to the U.S....

and then returning to Switzerland?...

or HOW to accomplish this?

Thank you much in advance!
~ Alan

Differences Between IR1 and CR1 Visas

  • IR1 (IR stands for "Immediate Relative") Visas entitle their holder to receive Permanent Residency within the United States for a period of 10 years (may be renewed)
  • CR1 (CR stands for "Conditional Residency") Visas entitle their holder to receive "Conditional" Permanent Residency within the United States for a period of 2 years

The deciding factor on which visa an applicant is issued (IR1 versus CR1 visa) is the amount of time that they have been married at the time the visa is issued.

If an applicant has been married to their US Citizen spouse for a period of two years or greater they will be issued an IR1 Visa.

If they have been married less than two years they will be issued a CR1 Visa.

A CR1 Visa will result in the applicant obtaining "conditional" permanent residency within the US and after a period of two years the applicant can apply to "Remove Conditions" 90 days before the conditional permanent resident card expires and they will be issued a regular 10 year green card.

SOURCE: http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/IR1_and_CR1_Immigrant_Visas

Edited by abrandt007
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abrandt007 Rookie

abrandt007   0

Posted
Filed: Other Timeline
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Boiler:

I very much appreciate having this **SIMPLIFIED** understanding for immigration requirements and compliance!

Does immigrate require moving to the U.S....

or can it just allow for visits to the U.S....

and then returning to Switzerland?...

or HOW to accomplish this?

Thank you much in advance!
~ Alan
You (abrandt007) can make 3 more posts until Today, 03:36 PM. This restriction is in place until Today, 03:19 PM

Differences Between IR1 and CR1 Visas

  • IR1 (IR stands for "Immediate Relative") Visas entitle their holder to receive Permanent Residency within the United States for a period of 10 years (may be renewed)
  • CR1 (CR stands for "Conditional Residency") Visas entitle their holder to receive "Conditional" Permanent Residency within the United States for a period of 2 years

The deciding factor on which visa an applicant is issued (IR1 versus CR1 visa) is the amount of time that they have been married at the time the visa is issued.

If an applicant has been married to their US Citizen spouse for a period of two years or greater they will be issued an IR1 Visa.

If they have been married less than two years they will be issued a CR1 Visa.

A CR1 Visa will result in the applicant obtaining "conditional" permanent residency within the US and after a period of two years the applicant can apply to "Remove Conditions" 90 days before the conditional permanent resident card expires and they will be issued a regular 10 year green card.

SOURCE: http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/IR1_and_CR1_Immigrant_Visas

Edited by abrandt007
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