CR-1 filing questions (Argentina)

[JJs 1]

Hi all,

My husband (Argentinian) and I (US Citizen) are just starting the CR-1 process. We got married in April of this year in Argentina (where we met and live). Our plan is to move to the states as soon as his visa is granted. 

That being said, we have a few questions to get started:  

• Filing from Argentina. Should we be using our Argentine address as my residence and mailing address? Or would it be better to use an address in the US? I just don't want us to do anything that appears dishonest or untrue. Also what does that mean in terms of biometrics if those are required in the states? 
• Translations. Does absolutely anything (including messages back and forth, bank statements, utility bills, etc. as bonafide marriage evidence) need to be translated? Almost all our proof is in Spanish. Does anyone know where to find a sample so we can see what that looks like? It's hard to imagine what a translated bank statement or utility bill or conversation should look like. 
• Online filing. We're going to file the I-130 online. We started the process and now the USCIS site shows there's an expiration date a month from now for our draft. What happens if we pass this date? Can we just start the form over again? Will it penalize us at all?

Many thanks in advance. This community is amazing! I'm sure there will be many more questions to come  

[Troy B 223]

as far as i know,  stuff going to the USCIS needs have an English translation.  Once it gets to the NVC,  either English or the local language is acceptable.

[Chancy 6,241]

20 minutes ago, JJs said:

Can we just start the form over again? Will it penalize us at all?

 

Yes, just start over if the draft expires.  There's no penalty.

 

Edited October 18, 2021 by Chancy
clarification

[JeanneAdil 6,489]

every supporting document immigration asks for and u submit to USCIS ,  NVC or take to embassy needs original and English translations

i would not worry about the chats as you live together

just prove that when u are asked

 

and you need a US residency / can be parents home for example / use that and post Argentina as other address

make sure USCIS has a good email for notices after the initial receipt

and that u file US tax returns as married for 2021 

you can claim your spouse or file MFS 

 

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

[pushbrk 12,870]

2 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

every supporting document immigration asks for and u submit to USCIS ,  NVC or take to embassy needs original and English translations

i would not worry about the chats as you live together

just prove that when u are asked

 

and you need a US residency / can be parents home for example / use that and post Argentina as other address

make sure USCIS has a good email for notices after the initial receipt

and that u file US tax returns as married for 2021 

you can claim your spouse or file MFS 

 

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

Who.  Nothing submitted to NVC needs translation in this case, but everything to USCIS does.  Since you live together, abroad, I would use passport stamps and your stated residence history as your only additional relationship evidence.  That will  minimize translation expenses.  You don't need anything else if you're living together and will be until the visa is issued.

 

You don't "use" addresses when it comes to your residence address, but I do advise "using" a US mailing address.  When asked for residence address history, tell the actual truth.

[JJs 1]

Thanks everyone for the pointers! Very helpful, we really appreciate it. 

On 10/18/2021 at 8:12 PM, Troy B said:

as far as i know,  stuff going to the USCIS needs have an English translation.  Once it gets to the NVC,  either English or the local language is acceptable.

Sounds like that's the consensus. Much appreciated! 

On 10/18/2021 at 8:18 PM, Chancy said:

 

Yes, just start over if the draft expires.  There's no penalty.

 

Good to know, thank you!

[JJs 1]

On 10/18/2021 at 11:22 PM, pushbrk said:

Who.  Nothing submitted to NVC needs translation in this case, but everything to USCIS does.  Since you live together, abroad, I would use passport stamps and your stated residence history as your only additional relationship evidence.  That will  minimize translation expenses.  You don't need anything else if you're living together and will be until the visa is issued.

 

You don't "use" addresses when it comes to your residence address, but I do advise "using" a US mailing address.  When asked for residence address history, tell the actual truth.

So helpful, thank you!