CR-1

[Kasi76 0]

What is the process for filing a cr-1 visa ? Can you do it yourself or should you get a lawyer/professional? 

[payxibka 10,045]

1 minute ago, Kasi76 said:

What is the process for filing a cr-1 visa ? Can you do it yourself or should you get a lawyer/professional? 

Personal choice,  people have done it both ways 

[aaron2020 11,651]

VJ has guides.  Button is at the top of every page.

 

This is a DIY, so most people do it without needing an attorney.  If you are good at following written instructions, then you can do it yourself.  If you want handholding, then get an attorney.

[Kasi76 0]

What about the affidavit of support? I don't make alot since I mostly live in Ukraine ( I'm studying theology here). Can my brother or any family member be a sponsor? 

[payxibka 10,045]

1 minute ago, Kasi76 said:

What about the affidavit of support? I don't make alot since I mostly live in Ukraine ( I'm studying theology here). Can my brother or any family member be a sponsor? 

Yes as long as they meet the eligibility requirements 

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.

[Hank_ 9,174]

I-130 is fairly straightforward to complete  

 

With the spousal visa petition (I-130) the beneficiary will have to complete the I-130A.  This form must be filed with the I-130.   (Instructions sheet  for the I-130/130a does state if your spouse is overseas signature isn't required, but why not get the signature while there??).

I would also like to suggest that for this petition/visa process that the married name of the beneficiary is used.  This will require renewing the passport in the married name   Why do this?  If you start this process in the maiden name, that will be the name on the green card, thus all other official documents in the USA.


Forms;  Always get your forms from the USCIS website!

https://www.uscis.gov/i-130

Documents you will need:

• A certified copy of marriage certificate.   (For the Philippines this would be from PSA)
• USC, proof of citizenship, this is your birth certificate, or, ALL pages of your passport (yes including the blank pages)
• Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), copy of both sides of your green card.   ( IR/CR-1 ignore this part )
• Previously married (petitioner & beneficiary); you will need to include copies of your annulment, divorce decree or death certificate
• 2X2 passport style photos, with name printed on the back (both petitioner & beneficiary) Use a baggy to attach them.  Info HERE  
• Evidence of bonafide marriage*;  examples are listed in the I-130 Instructions Sheet

* In addition to the required documentation listed above, you should submit one or more of the following types of documentation that may prove you have a bona fide marriage:

•  Documentation showing joint ownership of property;
•  A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence, meaning you both live at the same address together;
• Documentation showing that you and your spouse have combined your financial resources;
•  Birth certificates of children born to you and your spouse together;
•  Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship. Each affidavit must contain the full name and address of the person making the affidavit; date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit; and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage; or
• Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union.

NOTE:  You must submit clear and convincing evidence that you and your spouse entered into the marriage in good faith and not for immigration purposes if you married your spouse while your spouse was the subject of an exclusion, deportation, removal, or rescission proceeding (including during the judicial review of any one of these proceedings); or you are a lawful permanent resident that obtained your permanent residence through a prior marriage that was not determined by the death of your spouse and you are filing your petition for your spouse that you were married within five years of obtaining your permanent residence.

FORMS

I-130

I-130a 

I-130 INSTRUCTIONS