Best Step by Step help for Assembly of CR-1 forms and documents

[Jimmyzr1 36]

Hello, is there a thorough Step by Step guide to complete forms and documents for completion of the CR-1 Visa process. Sometimes I get off track or confused with procedures and really can’t afford to pay an attorney the crazy amounts they are asking for. I have to petition my wife and stepson to the US. We married online in December, I just got back from the Philippines after consummating the marriage a few days ago. I think I have to file 2, I-130’s, not sure if I need 2, I-130a’s or not. Also, so far she has kept her last name in the marriage, but we want to change her last name, once the Report of Marriage at the Philippine Consulate submitted in January goes through. Can I start the i-130 process in her passport name or is it best in my last name? Lots of questions. Thanks for any advice!

[Tito Puraw 2]

1 hour ago, Jimmyzr1 said:

 I think I have to file 2, I-130’s, not sure if I need 2, I-130a’s or not. 

I think the I-130 is pending on the age of the stepchild, but I could be wrong. under 18, (1), over 18 (2)

Edited March 16, 2022 by Tito Puraw
spelling

[pushbrk 13,133]

1 hour ago, Jimmyzr1 said:

Hello, is there a thorough Step by Step guide to complete forms and documents for completion of the CR-1 Visa process. Sometimes I get off track or confused with procedures and really can’t afford to pay an attorney the crazy amounts they are asking for. I have to petition my wife and stepson to the US. We married online in December, I just got back from the Philippines after consummating the marriage a few days ago. I think I have to file 2, I-130’s, not sure if I need 2, I-130a’s or not. Also, so far she has kept her last name in the marriage, but we want to change her last name, once the Report of Marriage at the Philippine Consulate submitted in January goes through. Can I start the i-130 process in her passport name or is it best in my last name? Lots of questions. Thanks for any advice!

Have you read the spouse visa guide, you'll find by clicking on the word Guides at the top of any page here?

 

Have you downloaded and become an A Student of the I-130 instructions?

 

If the child was under 18 when you married, yes, you file two I-130s, but only 1 I-130a, as it is for a spouse only.  If the child was over 18, you file nothing for the child as they have no US Immigration path based on your marriage.

 

It's ok to file for spouse using the married name, but the child's name does not change.

Edited March 16, 2022 by pushbrk

[pushbrk 13,133]

15 minutes ago, Tito Puraw said:

I think the I-130 is pending on the age of the stepchild, but I could be wrong. under 18, (1), over 18 (2)

Depends on the age of the step child on the marriage date.  Under 18 (2) Over 18 just the 1 for the spouse as the child is not coming based on the marriage.  

[Jimmyzr1 36]

2 hours ago, Tito Puraw said:

I think the I-130 is pending on the age of the stepchild, but I could be wrong. under 18, (1), over 18 (2)

The child is 12 and I’ve heard each person is a separate I-130.

[pushbrk 13,133]

4 minutes ago, Jimmyzr1 said:

The child is 12 and I’ve heard each person is a separate I-130.

"I've heard" is not an actual source but in this case, that is correct.  Reading the actual instructions is a much better source of in formation, a critical source.

[Jimmyzr1 36]

2 hours ago, pushbrk said:

Have you read the spouse visa guide, you'll find by clicking on the word Guides at the top of any page here?

 

Have you downloaded and become an A Student of the I-130 instructions?

 

If the child was under 18 when you married, yes, you file two I-130s, but only 1 I-130a, as it is for a spouse only.  If the child was over 18, you file nothing for the child as they have no US Immigration path based on your marriage.

 

It's ok to file for spouse using the married name, but the child's name does not change.

Yes, thank you. I will try to find these guides. Also, I haven’t seen the A Student of the i-130 instructions yet. 

4 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

"I've heard" is not an actual source but in this case, that is correct.  Reading the actual instructions is a much better source of in formation, a critical source.

Yes, thanks for your advice.

[Jimmyzr1 36]

1 hour ago, pushbrk said:

"I've heard" is not an actual source but in this case, that is correct.  Reading the actual instructions is a much better source of in formation, a critical source.

I should have stated that I had read it somewhere about having to file 2 I-130’s.

You stated have I downloaded and become an A Student of the I-130 instructions? What did you mean by that?

Edited March 17, 2022 by Jimmyzr1

[pushbrk 13,133]

1 hour ago, Jimmyzr1 said:

 I haven’t seen the A Student of the i-130 instructions yet. 

 

You don't "see it".  You become it by thoroughly studying it.  Have you even downloaded and read the instructions for the I-130?

[Jimmyzr1 36]

1 minute ago, pushbrk said:

You don't "see it".  You become it by thoroughly studying it.  Have you even downloaded and read the instructions for the I-130?

Yes, I’ve printed them out and that is where I seen the 2 I-130’s for wife and stepson. I wasn’t sure what you meant.

[Jimmyzr1 36]

Just now, Jimmyzr1 said:

Yes, I’ve printed them out and that is where I seen the 2 I-130’s for wife and stepson. I wasn’t sure what you meant.

All of this gets confusing it seems.

[pushbrk 13,133]

1 minute ago, Jimmyzr1 said:

Yes, I’ve printed them out and that is where I seen the 2 I-130’s for wife and stepson. I wasn’t sure what you meant.

I meant thoroughly study the entire form and its instructions well enough to be an A Student of both.  That's where you'll find many critical answers you wouldn't have thought to ask about.

[Jimmyzr1 36]

Just now, pushbrk said:

I meant thoroughly study the entire form and its instructions well enough to be an A Student of both.  That's where you'll find many critical answers you wouldn't have thought to ask about.

It would be nice if there was easy to follow instructions, where to insert certain forms and documents that you need. this all gets very confusing at times.

[pushbrk 13,133]

Just now, Jimmyzr1 said:

It would be nice if there was easy to follow instructions, where to insert certain forms and documents that you need. this all gets very confusing at times.

Once you are an A-Student of the instructions and form itself, it will be less confusing, but we are still here to answer remaining questions.  One key is to read carefully, interpret literally, and answer accurately.

 

[Jimmyzr1 36]

1 minute ago, pushbrk said:

Once you are an A-Student of the instructions and form itself, it will be less confusing, but we are still here to answer remaining questions.  One key is to read carefully, interpret literally, and answer accurately.

 

Thank you, sometimes I have problems keeping on track.