cr1 I-130 and I-130A

[Raoul20 3]

Hello All,

My wife and I just got married a month ago in our home country of Togo. I am the US citizen, and my wife currently resides in France, she is there on a student Visa, and has a (Carte de Sejour).

I have some questions about the process of completing the I-130 and the I-130A.

 

1. Since she is currently not with me, and I will be the one filling out the I-130A on her behalf, should I sign as the preparer and the interpreter? 
2. Is one Affidavit from a third party enough? or does it need to be more than that?
3. Is it possible for her to complete the visa process in France, or it has to be in Togo?

Some of these questions might seem silly, but I just don't want to make any mistake. 

Thank you all for your efforts. 

 

[SalishSea 18,102]

34 minutes ago, Raoul20 said:

Hello All,

My wife and I just got married a month ago in our home country of Togo. I am the US citizen, and my wife currently resides in France, she is there on a student Visa, and has a (Carte de Sejour).

I have some questions about the process of completing the I-130 and the I-130A.

 

1. Since she is currently not with me, and I will be the one filling out the I-130A on her behalf, should I sign as the preparer and the interpreter? 
2. Is one Affidavit from a third party enough? or does it need to be more than that?
3. Is it possible for her to complete the visa process in France, or it has to be in Togo?

Some of these questions might seem silly, but I just don't want to make any mistake. 

Thank you all for your efforts. 

 

1) No, you're not filling out or preparing anything on her behalf.  You are petitioning her for a visa.  It's your petition.  Unless you need someone else to interpret for you, there is no interpreter.

 

2) Third party affidavits are very weak evidence, unless that is all you can come up with.  There are innumerable threads on VJ about collecting evidence of a bonafide marriage, as well as the guides.  I suggest you read and research to educate yourself on the process.

 

3) It sounds like she is a legal resident of France, and has a card showing that?  If so, she can interview in Paris, yes.

[Chancy 6,243]

20 minutes ago, Raoul20 said:

Since she is currently not with me, and I will be the one filling out the I-130A on her behalf, should I sign as the preparer and the interpreter? 

 

You may sign as preparer if you want.  If your wife does not understand English well enough to fill out the form, you may sign as interpreter.  But if she can actually read and fill out the I-130A herself, she should just do so and email it you.  Her signature is not required if she is not in the US.

 

24 minutes ago, Raoul20 said:

Is one Affidavit from a third party enough? or does it need to be more than that?

 

3rd-party affidavit is not required.  It is considered weak evidence listed as an option for those who don't have more substantial evidence.  Focus instead on evidence of time spent together in person and of tying your financial lives together.

 

27 minutes ago, Raoul20 said:

Is it possible for her to complete the visa process in France, or it has to be in Togo?

 

Consulates normally allow applicants with legal residence status in the country.  In your wife's case, her carte de sejour seems to be proof of that.  To verify, contact the US embassy in Paris.  How long is her permit valid for?

 

[Chancy 6,243]

41 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

1) No, you're not filling out or preparing anything on her behalf.  You are petitioning her for a visa.  It's your petition.  Unless you need someone else to interpret for you, there is no interpreter.

 

The I-130A is a separate form to be filled out by the spouse beneficiary, as stated in the form instructions.  The US citizen spouse may sign as preparer and interpreter if necessary.

 

[ishatu 45]

Her signature is definitely needed on the I 130A form cos the info is all about her.

[payxibka 10,047]

12 minutes ago, ishatu said:

Her signature is definitely needed on the I 130A form cos the info is all about her.

 I think you need to read the form instructions carefully.   Then come back and change your answer.

[Chancy 6,243]

13 minutes ago, ishatu said:

Her signature is definitely needed on the I 130A form cos the info is all about her.

 

Spouse beneficiary's signature is NOT required if she resides outside the US, as stated on page 1 of form I-130A.

 

[Raoul20 3]

How do I upload the passport pictures on the USCIS website? I have the printout of the pictures, do I just scan it and upload them? They didn't give proper instruction on these pictures.