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How soon after receiving CR-1 do you have to go to the States?

By D+K in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

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D+K Rookie

D+K   0

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

My fiancé (Irish) and I (American) will be getting married in Ireland and then applying for a CR-1 visa to eventually return to the States. Once the CR-1 is approved, how much time do we have to get to the states? Will it expire?

We are not sure that we will want to move to the US immediately, but will be applying for it shortly after our wedding since it takes so long to process.

 

Any information is helpful. Thank you!

Dutchster Proficient

Dutchster   1,107

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

All immigrant visas have an expiration date. The intending immigrant has a six month span to enter the US with the visa. 

01/13/2016: I-129F filed  07/15/2016: K-1 visa in hand
10/13/2016: Filed AOS + EAD/AP.   07/07/2017: Permanent resident (Conditional)
04/16/2019: Filed ROC  11/17/2020: Approved. (10 yr GC)

 

Naturalization                                                        
09/02/2020: Filed (Online)    09/08/2020: NOA1: (NBC) 
10/22/2020: Biometrics Reuse Notice.  12/22/2020: Online Status Changed to Interview Was Scheduled.  
01/29/2021: N-400 Interview - PASSED! 01/29/2021: Same-day oath ceremony.  
'Merica. 

Dutchster Proficient

Dutchster   1,107

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

No, the six month start from the medical exam date. Usually the medical exam and interview are close to each other so I wouldn't worry about that.

01/13/2016: I-129F filed  07/15/2016: K-1 visa in hand
10/13/2016: Filed AOS + EAD/AP.   07/07/2017: Permanent resident (Conditional)
04/16/2019: Filed ROC  11/17/2020: Approved. (10 yr GC)

 

Naturalization                                                        
09/02/2020: Filed (Online)    09/08/2020: NOA1: (NBC) 
10/22/2020: Biometrics Reuse Notice.  12/22/2020: Online Status Changed to Interview Was Scheduled.  
01/29/2021: N-400 Interview - PASSED! 01/29/2021: Same-day oath ceremony.  
'Merica. 

rajeejunie Enthusiast

rajeejunie   110

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: India
 Timeline
Posted
6 minutes ago, D+K said:

My fiancé (Irish) and I (American) will be getting married in Ireland and then applying for a CR-1 visa to eventually return to the States. Once the CR-1 is approved, how much time do we have to get to the states? Will it expire?

We are not sure that we will want to move to the US immediately, but will be applying for it shortly after our wedding since it takes so long to process.

 

Any information is helpful. Thank you!

If you are in no hurry and end up spending a few years in Ireland while you work there, you can opt for Direct Consular Filing if I am not wrong. The visa issued has expiration so you have to move back in 6 months since it is approved. 

My timeline

ROC

6-08-20 I-751 Package sent

6-09-20 I-751 Package received 

06-15-20 Received text with receipt number (MSC-XXX)

06-16-20 Check cashed 

07-09-20 Called USCIS to enquire about NOA-1. Was told it was sent on 07-01-20.

07-11-20 Received 18-month extension letter NOA dated 06-30-20

05-03-20 Received Biometric Appointment scheduled for May24th (NY/NJ area)

 

 

CR-1

6-16-17 I-130 sent 

6-20-17 received NOA 1 Texas Service Center

1-24-18 NOA 2 approved 

2-23-18 NVC Received my case

3-30-18 Case Number Assigned

4-3-18 Welcome Letter email from NVC

4-4-18 Paid AOS and IV Fees 

4-10-18 Sent AOS package and Civil Documents 

4-11-18 NVC Processed all fees and Completed D260 form 

4-12-18 NVC Received packet 

4-13-18 NVC Scanned all documents

4-25-18 Case Complete at NVC ("At NVC")

4-26-18 Interview Scheduled (I called to find out) 

4-28-18 Received P4 from NVC

6-15-18 Interview Date! 

221G given on interview

6-26-18 Issued (Finally!)

 

D+K Rookie

D+K   0

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Ireland
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted
3 minutes ago, rajeejunie said:

If you are in no hurry and end up spending a few years in Ireland while you work there, you can opt for Direct Consular Filing if I am not wrong. The visa issued has expiration so you have to move back in 6 months since it is approved. 

Wow I have not heard of this... it seems to good to be true. Do you know of anyone who has done this with success? Though it seems to be much faster, does it complicate residency / other paperwork after arriving in the states?

rajeejunie Enthusiast

rajeejunie   110

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: India
 Timeline
Posted (edited)
5 minutes ago, D+K said:

Wow I have not heard of this... it seems to good to be true. Do you know of anyone who has done this with success? Though it seems to be much faster, does it complicate residency / other paperwork after arriving in the states?

I am not personally aware of anyone but it is possible. but there a lot of rules that apply. you must show proof of residency and work in Ireland for at least a year before you apply for this process. There hasn't been any complications I have heard of if you are genuinely living and working with your husband outside the US. 

 

I am suggesting this only because you are in no hurry to come back to the states meaning you have intention of completely shifting your base to Ireland. 

Edited by rajeejunie

My timeline

ROC

6-08-20 I-751 Package sent

6-09-20 I-751 Package received 

06-15-20 Received text with receipt number (MSC-XXX)

06-16-20 Check cashed 

07-09-20 Called USCIS to enquire about NOA-1. Was told it was sent on 07-01-20.

07-11-20 Received 18-month extension letter NOA dated 06-30-20

05-03-20 Received Biometric Appointment scheduled for May24th (NY/NJ area)

 

 

CR-1

6-16-17 I-130 sent 

6-20-17 received NOA 1 Texas Service Center

1-24-18 NOA 2 approved 

2-23-18 NVC Received my case

3-30-18 Case Number Assigned

4-3-18 Welcome Letter email from NVC

4-4-18 Paid AOS and IV Fees 

4-10-18 Sent AOS package and Civil Documents 

4-11-18 NVC Processed all fees and Completed D260 form 

4-12-18 NVC Received packet 

4-13-18 NVC Scanned all documents

4-25-18 Case Complete at NVC ("At NVC")

4-26-18 Interview Scheduled (I called to find out) 

4-28-18 Received P4 from NVC

6-15-18 Interview Date! 

221G given on interview

6-26-18 Issued (Finally!)

 

Dutchster Proficient

Dutchster   1,107

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

DCF is not offered in Ireland.

01/13/2016: I-129F filed  07/15/2016: K-1 visa in hand
10/13/2016: Filed AOS + EAD/AP.   07/07/2017: Permanent resident (Conditional)
04/16/2019: Filed ROC  11/17/2020: Approved. (10 yr GC)

 

Naturalization                                                        
09/02/2020: Filed (Online)    09/08/2020: NOA1: (NBC) 
10/22/2020: Biometrics Reuse Notice.  12/22/2020: Online Status Changed to Interview Was Scheduled.  
01/29/2021: N-400 Interview - PASSED! 01/29/2021: Same-day oath ceremony.  
'Merica. 

Ryan H Grand Master

Ryan H   3,834

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

Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.

Our journey:

Spoiler

September 2007: Met online via social networking site (MySpace); began exchanging messages.
March 26, 2009: We become a couple!
September 10, 2009: Arrived for first meeting in-person!
June 17, 2010: Arrived for second in-person meeting and start of travel together to other areas of China!
June 21, 2010: Engaged!!!
September 1, 2010: Switched course from K1 to CR-1
December 8, 2010: Wedding date set; it will be on February 18, 2011!
February 9, 2011: Depart for China
February 11, 2011: Registered for marriage in Wuhan, officially married!!!
February 18, 2011: Wedding ceremony in Shiyan!!!
April 22, 2011: Mailed I-130 to Chicago
April 28, 2011: Received NOA1 via text/email, file routed to CSC (priority date April 25th)
April 29, 2011: Updated
May 3, 2011: Received NOA1 hardcopy in mail
July 26, 2011: Received NOA2 via text/email!!!
July 30, 2011: Received NOA2 hardcopy in mail
August 8, 2011: NVC received file
September 1, 2011: NVC case number assigned
September 2, 2011: AOS invoice received, OPTIN email for EP sent
September 7, 2011: Paid AOS bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 9, 2011)
September 8, 2011: OPTIN email accepted, GZO number assigned
September 10, 2011: Emailed AOS package
September 12, 2011: IV bill invoiced
September 13, 2011: Paid IV bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 14, 2011)
September 14, 2011: Emailed IV package
October 3, 2011: Emailed checklist response (checklist generated due to typo on Form DS-230)
October 6, 2011: Case complete at NVC
November 10, 2011: Interview - APPROVED!!!
December 7, 2011: POE - Sea-Tac Airport

September 17, 2013: Mailed I-751 to CSC

September 23, 2013: Received NOA1 in mail (receipt date September 19th)

October 16, 2013: Biometrics Appointment

January 28, 2014: Production of new Green Card ordered

February 3, 2014: New Green Card received; done with USCIS until fall of 2023*

December 18, 2023:  Filed I-90 to renew Green Card

December 21, 2023:  Production of new Green Card ordered - will be seeing USCIS again every 10 years for renewal

 

rajeejunie Enthusiast

rajeejunie   110

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: India
 Timeline
Posted
16 hours ago, Dutchster said:

DCF is not offered in Ireland.

Oh I see. Thanks for the info :) 

My timeline

ROC

6-08-20 I-751 Package sent

6-09-20 I-751 Package received 

06-15-20 Received text with receipt number (MSC-XXX)

06-16-20 Check cashed 

07-09-20 Called USCIS to enquire about NOA-1. Was told it was sent on 07-01-20.

07-11-20 Received 18-month extension letter NOA dated 06-30-20

05-03-20 Received Biometric Appointment scheduled for May24th (NY/NJ area)

 

 

CR-1

6-16-17 I-130 sent 

6-20-17 received NOA 1 Texas Service Center

1-24-18 NOA 2 approved 

2-23-18 NVC Received my case

3-30-18 Case Number Assigned

4-3-18 Welcome Letter email from NVC

4-4-18 Paid AOS and IV Fees 

4-10-18 Sent AOS package and Civil Documents 

4-11-18 NVC Processed all fees and Completed D260 form 

4-12-18 NVC Received packet 

4-13-18 NVC Scanned all documents

4-25-18 Case Complete at NVC ("At NVC")

4-26-18 Interview Scheduled (I called to find out) 

4-28-18 Received P4 from NVC

6-15-18 Interview Date! 

221G given on interview

6-26-18 Issued (Finally!)

 

Ben & Katy Collaborator

Ben & Katy   168

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Mexico
 Timeline
Posted
21 hours ago, D+K said:

Wow I have not heard of this... it seems to good to be true. Do you know of anyone who has done this with success? Though it seems to be much faster, does it complicate residency / other paperwork after arriving in the states?

In order to qualify for DCF you need to become an irish resident and have bills and rental contracts in your name plus you need to live at least 6 months in Ireland before being able to do DCF.  If you plan on spending alot of time in Ireland I would just wait until you get close to your second wedding anniversary to do a DCF.  Then enter the US with the visa one day after your second wedding anniversary so you can get a 10 year permanent visa instead of the 2 year conditional.  

geowrian Grand Master

geowrian   22,338

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (pnd) Country: Philippines
 Timeline
Posted
23 minutes ago, Ben & Katy said:

In order to qualify for DCF you need to become an irish resident and have bills and rental contracts in your name plus you need to live at least 6 months in Ireland before being able to do DCF.  If you plan on spending alot of time in Ireland I would just wait until you get close to your second wedding anniversary to do a DCF.  Then enter the US with the visa one day after your second wedding anniversary so you can get a 10 year permanent visa instead of the 2 year conditional.  

As noted above, DCF is not available for Ireland. It is only available (barring exceptional circumstances) if there is a USCIS office at the consulate.

https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-immigration-offices

Timelines:

ROC:

Spoiler

7/27/20: Sent forms to Dallas lockbox, 7/30/20: Received by USCIS, 8/10 NOA1 electronic notification received, 8/1/ NOA1 hard copy received

AOS:

Spoiler

AOS (I-485 + I-131 + I-765):

9/25/17: sent forms to Chicago, 9/27/17: received by USCIS, 10/4/17: NOA1 electronic notification received, 10/10/17: NOA1 hard copy received. Social Security card being issued in married name (3rd attempt!)

10/14/17: Biometrics appointment notice received, 10/25/17: Biometrics

1/2/18: EAD + AP approved (no website update), 1/5/18: EAD + AP mailed, 1/8/18: EAD + AP approval notice hardcopies received, 1/10/18: EAD + AP received

9/5/18: Interview scheduled notice, 10/17/18: Interview

10/24/18: Green card produced notice, 10/25/18: Formal approval, 10/31/18: Green card received

K-1:

Spoiler

I-129F

12/1/16: sent, 12/14/16: NOA1 hard copy received, 3/10/17: RFE (IMB verification), 3/22/17: RFE response received

3/24/17: Approved! , 3/30/17: NOA2 hard copy received

 

NVC

4/6/2017: Received, 4/12/2017: Sent to Riyadh embassy, 4/16/2017: Case received at Riyadh embassy, 4/21/2017: Request case transfer to Manila, approved 4/24/2017

 

K-1

5/1/2017: Case received by Manila (1 week embassy transfer??? Lucky~)

7/13/2017: Interview: APPROVED!!!

7/19/2017: Visa in hand

8/15/2017: POE

 

Ben & Katy Collaborator

Ben & Katy   168

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Mexico
 Timeline
Posted
On 4/25/2018 at 12:34 PM, D+K said:

My fiancé (Irish) and I (American) will be getting married in Ireland and then applying for a CR-1 visa to eventually return to the States. Once the CR-1 is approved, how much time do we have to get to the states? Will it expire?

We are not sure that we will want to move to the US immediately, but will be applying for it shortly after our wedding since it takes so long to process.

 

Any information is helpful. Thank you!

I guess since there is no DCF in Ireland I would just wait to file your CR1/IRI on your one year wedding anniversary.  By the time the process it and give you an interview you will have already surpassed your two year anniversary which will give you a 10 year permanent green card vs 2 conditional.  

NikLR Grand Master

NikLR   13,232

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted
On 4/26/2018 at 2:39 PM, Ben & Katy said:

I guess since there is no DCF in Ireland I would just wait to file your CR1/IRI on your one year wedding anniversary.  By the time the process it and give you an interview you will have already surpassed your two year anniversary which will give you a 10 year permanent green card vs 2 conditional.  

It's easy to draw the process out for 2 years or more so waiting to file is pointless.  it's better to be in control of the timeline than worrying about the USCIS phase or rushing to get things done IMHO. 

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.  - Dr. Seuss

 

 
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