CR1 Application Start - QUESTIONS

[Becker 17]

I was recently on here about to bite the bullet for a K1 visa but during our last visit we married and are now looking to file for the CR-1. 

 

I have been reading a lot of things about the CR1 and only just found out that you can apply online instead of mailing everything in. Has anyone got any experience with this and is it any easier this way? 

 

I also found myself on this website https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition/step-2-begin-nvc-processing.html and was reading about how there are a number of visas limited in each case. How does this affect the application if we were to apply in the near future? 

 

Another question is, if we married in December, is it a red flag to apply for a visa so quickly? Also, we only had a small courthouse style wedding with no family or friends present, we are just desperately trying to be together and didn't want this tiny wedding to be what we visioned as the best day of our lives, if that makes sense? 

[Becker 17]

I also want to add that i found on a website that it raises red flags if you apply and the couple doesn't live together. I don't understand this fully as we have no chances to live together? I cannot legally live in the US and she cannot legally live in the UK. We visit each other as often as borders allow. 

[HRQX 4,145]

32 minutes ago, Becker said:

Has anyone got any experience with this and is it any easier this way?

Online filing is recommended. Eventually it's going to ask her: "For whom are you filing this petition? Select the relationship the beneficiary has to you (e.g., if the beneficiary is your parent, select "Parent")." When she selects "Spouse" it says the following:

You selected you are petitioning for a spouse

You will need to upload the Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (I-130A) as a part of the evidence for this application.

 

 

Since you are currently outside of the US you don't have to sign I-130A supplement, but it still needs to be uploaded by your wife. Later in the Evidence upload section:

Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (I-130A)

If you are filing for your spouse, he or she must complete and sign Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (I-130A). If your spouse is overseas, the I-130A must still be completed, but your spouse does not have to sign the I-130A.

 

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Attaching your files

Use a scanner or take pictures of each document. Make sure each image you attach is clear and that all text is readable.

 

Translations

If your documents are in a foreign language, upload an English translation along with the original.

 

32 minutes ago, Becker said:

How does this affect the application if we were to apply in the near future?

It says: "United States law limits the number of immigrant visa numbers available each year in certain visa categories." Spouse of US citizen isn't one of those limited categories. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration.html

Quote

Immediate Relative – these visas are based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child or parent. The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year.

 

32 minutes ago, Becker said:

Another question is, if we married in December, is it a red flag to apply for a visa so quickly?

Not a red flag. There are many approved spouse visas based on very recent marriage. You can also include a few things from your dating time.

 

Also, that is why conditional 2-year Green Card exists. About 2 years after US entry you'll do Removal of Conditions and present commingling, etc. documents.

Edited December 27, 2020 by HRQX

[Babu Frik 1,162]

There are existing threads with lots of people that have gone through it,  you should check the Cr1 forum. 

[Chancy 6,243]

26 minutes ago, Becker said:

I have been reading a lot of things about the CR1 and only just found out that you can apply online instead of mailing everything in. Has anyone got any experience with this and is it any easier this way? 

 

Many here (including my spouse and I) filed online.  I highly recommend it for the convenience and the immediate receipt by USCIS.  Just be sure to review the case snapshot carefully and make any necessary corrections before you hit submit.  Check the thread below to read about others' experiences with online filing --

 

 

33 minutes ago, Becker said:

we only had a small courthouse style wedding with no family or friends present

 

No requirement for a big wedding.  No need to worry about this.

 

28 minutes ago, Becker said:

it raises red flags if you apply and the couple doesn't live together.

 

Not true.  It's more common for couples going through the spouse visa process to be living apart.  What matters is how much time you spent together in person throughout your relationship, including time together before you got married.  Submit relationship evidence from all of those in-person meetings, not just the time after the wedding.

 

[JeanneAdil 6,609]

Red flag issues are usually because the immigrant is from a high fraud country

not so from UK

file ASAP when the USC has marriage certificate and other supporting documents

the USC can also add you to 2020 tax returns as UK has reciprocal agreement with US to give $107,600 exclusion for foreign income

give this site to the USC as she will need these IRS tax returns for the interview 

 

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/nonresident-alien-spouse

[VJmember2020 32]

I wanted to do the online filing.. my wife wanted to do the mail in... so obviously she always wins..

but I guess it worked out pretty well for us as we received NOA2 in less than 3 months of filing... so Idk which one is "faster" but make sure you go thru visa journey and watch some youtube videos on how others compiled their "packet".. put the effort in and you will be fine. VJ has helped me so much, and saved me from getting a lawyer. 

[Becker 17]

16 hours ago, VJmember2020 said:

I wanted to do the online filing.. my wife wanted to do the mail in... so obviously she always wins..

but I guess it worked out pretty well for us as we received NOA2 in less than 3 months of filing... so Idk which one is "faster" but make sure you go thru visa journey and watch some youtube videos on how others compiled their "packet".. put the effort in and you will be fine. VJ has helped me so much, and saved me from getting a lawyer. 

Your timeline looks like it is going along pretty fast. Did you have it expediated at all? 

[Becker 17]

On 12/27/2020 at 2:25 AM, HRQX said:

Online filing is recommended. Eventually it's going to ask her: "For whom are you filing this petition? Select the relationship the beneficiary has to you (e.g., if the beneficiary is your parent, select "Parent")." When she selects "Spouse" it says the following:

You selected you are petitioning for a spouse

You will need to upload the Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (I-130A) as a part of the evidence for this application.

 

 

Since you are currently outside of the US you don't have to sign I-130A supplement, but it still needs to be uploaded by your wife. Later in the Evidence upload section:

Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (I-130A)

If you are filing for your spouse, he or she must complete and sign Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (I-130A). If your spouse is overseas, the I-130A must still be completed, but your spouse does not have to sign the I-130A.

 

Drag files here or choose a file
Maximum size: 6MB per file
Accepted formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, or TIFF
No encrypted or password-protected files

 

Attaching your files

Use a scanner or take pictures of each document. Make sure each image you attach is clear and that all text is readable.

 

Translations

If your documents are in a foreign language, upload an English translation along with the original.

 

It says: "United States law limits the number of immigrant visa numbers available each year in certain visa categories." Spouse of US citizen isn't one of those limited categories. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration.html

 

Not a red flag. There are many approved spouse visas based on very recent marriage. You can also include a few things from your dating time.

 

Also, that is why conditional 2-year Green Card exists. About 2 years after US entry you'll do Removal of Conditions and present commingling, etc. documents.

Thank you for the answers! When filing online, do we need to download the forms and fill them out and then attach them, or is there sections online to fill them out? Sorry we are yet to create an account as we have been busy. I flew back from the US just last week!

[VJmember2020 32]

6 hours ago, Becker said:

Your timeline looks like it is going along pretty fast. Did you have it expediated at all? 

No I didn’t. It’s all luck I guess. Also, making the petition with supporting documents as easy as possible got the workers help. 

[HRQX 4,145]

9 hours ago, Becker said:

When filing online, do we need to download the forms and fill them out and then attach them,

I-130A supplement is the only one that you download, fill out, and then upload. The rest your wife just answers online:

 

The following question your wife leaves completely blank (and skips it) since it's not relevant to your case:

Edited December 28, 2020 by HRQX

[Becker 17]

On 12/27/2020 at 2:25 AM, HRQX said:

Online filing is recommended. Eventually it's going to ask her: "For whom are you filing this petition? Select the relationship the beneficiary has to you (e.g., if the beneficiary is your parent, select "Parent")." When she selects "Spouse" it says the following:

You selected you are petitioning for a spouse

You will need to upload the Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (I-130A) as a part of the evidence for this application.

 

 

Since you are currently outside of the US you don't have to sign I-130A supplement, but it still needs to be uploaded by your wife. Later in the Evidence upload section:

Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (I-130A)

If you are filing for your spouse, he or she must complete and sign Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (I-130A). If your spouse is overseas, the I-130A must still be completed, but your spouse does not have to sign the I-130A.

 

Drag files here or choose a file
Maximum size: 6MB per file
Accepted formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, or TIFF
No encrypted or password-protected files

 

Attaching your files

Use a scanner or take pictures of each document. Make sure each image you attach is clear and that all text is readable.

 

Translations

If your documents are in a foreign language, upload an English translation along with the original.

 

It says: "United States law limits the number of immigrant visa numbers available each year in certain visa categories." Spouse of US citizen isn't one of those limited categories. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration.html

 

Not a red flag. There are many approved spouse visas based on very recent marriage. You can also include a few things from your dating time.

 

Also, that is why conditional 2-year Green Card exists. About 2 years after US entry you'll do Removal of Conditions and present commingling, etc. documents.

 

On 12/27/2020 at 2:50 AM, Chancy said:

 

Many here (including my spouse and I) filed online.  I highly recommend it for the convenience and the immediate receipt by USCIS.  Just be sure to review the case snapshot carefully and make any necessary corrections before you hit submit.  Check the thread below to read about others' experiences with online filing --

 

 

 

No requirement for a big wedding.  No need to worry about this.

 

 

Not true.  It's more common for couples going through the spouse visa process to be living apart.  What matters is how much time you spent together in person throughout your relationship, including time together before you got married.  Submit relationship evidence from all of those in-person meetings, not just the time after the wedding.

 

Hi guys. I have a couple more questions i am struggling to find the answers for.

 

I am currently filling out the I-130a form. My Mother does not have the same last name as me, is that a problem?

 

2nd question, i do not know the full details for my father as he left when i was a kid. My mom also doesn't have any details other than name and place of birth for my father.

 

Also, as i am not currently with my partner in the US, do i need to sign 6a and 6b? I can happily do it but i read about not having to sign it unless i am currently in the US.

 

Thank you!

[Becker 17]

3 minutes ago, Becker said:

 

Hi guys. I have a couple more questions i am struggling to find the answers for.

 

I am currently filling out the I-130a form. My Mother does not have the same last name as me, is that a problem?

 

2nd question, i do not know the full details for my father as he left when i was a kid. My mom also doesn't have any details other than name and place of birth for my father.

 

Also, as i am not currently with my partner in the US, do i need to sign 6a and 6b? I can happily do it but i read about not having to sign it unless i am currently in the US.

 

Thank you!

Also, in regards to 9a and 9b, is this in regards to the last physical address outside the US (8a - 8f)?

[Chancy 6,243]

50 minutes ago, Becker said:

My Mother does not have the same last name as me, is that a problem?

 

Not an issue.  In our case, our marriage certificate required my mom's maiden name.  So in the I-130A, we wrote my mom's maiden name as well to match that and not matching my last name.

 

1 hour ago, Becker said:

i do not know the full details for my father as he left when i was a kid. My mom also doesn't have any details other than name and place of birth for my father.

 

If you still don't find out despite your best efforts to do so, write "Unknown".

 

1 hour ago, Becker said:

Also, as i am not currently with my partner in the US, do i need to sign 6a and 6b? I can happily do it but i read about not having to sign it unless i am currently in the US.

 

Although there's no need to sign as you are not in the US, it won't hurt to sign it if you can easily do so anyway.

 

1 hour ago, Becker said:

Also, in regards to 9a and 9b, is this in regards to the last physical address outside the US (8a - 8f)?

 

Yes.

 

[Becker 17]

On 12/27/2020 at 2:50 AM, Chancy said:

 

Many here (including my spouse and I) filed online.  I highly recommend it for the convenience and the immediate receipt by USCIS.  Just be sure to review the case snapshot carefully and make any necessary corrections before you hit submit.  Check the thread below to read about others' experiences with online filing --

 

 

 

No requirement for a big wedding.  No need to worry about this.

 

 

Not true.  It's more common for couples going through the spouse visa process to be living apart.  What matters is how much time you spent together in person throughout your relationship, including time together before you got married.  Submit relationship evidence from all of those in-person meetings, not just the time after the wedding.

 

 

On 12/28/2020 at 1:54 PM, VJmember2020 said:

No I didn’t. It’s all luck I guess. Also, making the petition with supporting documents as easy as possible got the workers help. 

 

On 12/27/2020 at 2:25 AM, HRQX said:

Online filing is recommended. Eventually it's going to ask her: "For whom are you filing this petition? Select the relationship the beneficiary has to you (e.g., if the beneficiary is your parent, select "Parent")." When she selects "Spouse" it says the following:

You selected you are petitioning for a spouse

You will need to upload the Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (I-130A) as a part of the evidence for this application.

 

 

Since you are currently outside of the US you don't have to sign I-130A supplement, but it still needs to be uploaded by your wife. Later in the Evidence upload section:

Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (I-130A)

If you are filing for your spouse, he or she must complete and sign Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary (I-130A). If your spouse is overseas, the I-130A must still be completed, but your spouse does not have to sign the I-130A.

 

Drag files here or choose a file
Maximum size: 6MB per file
Accepted formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, or TIFF
No encrypted or password-protected files

 

Attaching your files

Use a scanner or take pictures of each document. Make sure each image you attach is clear and that all text is readable.

 

Translations

If your documents are in a foreign language, upload an English translation along with the original.

 

It says: "United States law limits the number of immigrant visa numbers available each year in certain visa categories." Spouse of US citizen isn't one of those limited categories. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration.html

 

Not a red flag. There are many approved spouse visas based on very recent marriage. You can also include a few things from your dating time.

 

Also, that is why conditional 2-year Green Card exists. About 2 years after US entry you'll do Removal of Conditions and present commingling, etc. documents.

Sorry for quoting you guys again but we are on the final part of compiling evidence. We have never been able to live together due to never being legal residents of each other country and this is what we have for evidence. I have searched the forum and it sounds like enough but I just wanted to be sure.

 

Photos of us together over the years at various places, New York, Greece, Dublin. With and without each others family members. A couple of them are from my mum's wedding a few years ago with both of us in the pictures with 5-6 family members.

 

Various boarding passes to and from each other's country and trips we have taken together

 

Scan of passport stamps to USA (just mine as she has never stamped into the UK, always used the E-Gates)

 

 

 

I think that is all we have at this stage. We don't have joint accounts (never knew we could get them without being legal residents in other countries) and we do not have a tax return with us both yet as this is the first year we are eligible for it. I could fish out more minor things such as hotel receipts etc.

 

 

And finally (i hope) do we need to include any text evidence such as describing where we met, how long ago we met etc. Or will the pictures paint that for me over a 2-3 year span? Also with the pictures, is it best to put it into a presentation powerpoint form, word doc or are there any other suggestions. This is for the online filing of our I-130.

 

I cannot stress how much i appreciate the responses! I think we are ready to submit tomorrow!!!