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scott1956

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Posts posted by scott1956

  1. K3 NOA2 FINALLY

    in General Visa Discussion & First Steps

    Posted

    My patience had worn a little so it has helped to see the K3 move a little. I am certainly not expecting any express service at NVC. When I started this process I knew I was in for a waiting game, anywhere from 10 to 16 months I figured. I am however thankful that there has been some movement. Anyways Thanks everyone for the support :huh:

  8. DS-230 for CR1/CR2

    in General Visa Discussion & First Steps

    Posted

    I just received IV Bill for my wife and step daughter. On the bill it states that NVC will send DS-230 Part I and I should only use the original DS-230 and to not use downloaded computer forms. I have been using fillable PDF forms all along and I see on previous posts where some people have used a PDF DS-230 for the K3. Any thoughts on using the fillable PDF form for the CR1/CR2 DS-230?

     

    Also question 12 on the DS-230 asks present occupation, my wife was a Kindergarten teacher until after we got married when she quit in order to go to school to learn english. Should I list her current occupation as "Kindergarten Teacher" or "Student" ?

     

    And finally, how have other CR1's been handling the SO signature requirement for DS-230? Express mailing the package to wife to sign and then express mail back or is there a better/faster way?

     

    Thanks for any help :P

  10. DUPLICATE IMBRA RFE & K3 STATUS

    in General Visa Discussion & First Steps

    Posted

    Well I just can't seem to catch a break with my K3 - first the receipt date for my I-129F is 3/6/06 which was the effective date of the IMBRA RFE log jam. So my application has been sitting while USCIS figures out how to deal with the IMBRA. Then finally they send an RFE for the IMBRA which I receive on 7/3/06. My case status also changes on 7/3/06 to reflect the RFE sent. I returned the RFE on 7/5/06 priority mail with delivery confirmation of 7/7/06. Yet I don't receive any email acknowledgement, my case status remains unchanged and on 7/14/06 I receive a duplciate of the IMBRA RFE dated 7/10/06, but I don't get an email notification, nor does my status change to reflect another RFE sent :o So I again answer the questions and return on 7/16/06 priority mail with delivery confirmation of 7/20/06.

     

    Still no change in my status (7/3/06) showing receipt of either RFE so I call BTCIS today, wait 30 minutes to get told there is nothing more they can tell me about my status and there isn't a phone number to call Lee's Summit. The woman suggested I write to them and I indicated that I had already sent two pieces of mail that they have yet to acknowledge so I didn't really think sending another piece of mail would be the solution :(

     

    I know that others have received the duplciate RFE's for the IMBRA, but it seems as if they are at least getting their status changed and receiving email acknoledgements :lol: . I am not giving up on my K3, but it is looking more and more like it was just a waste of the $170. My IV bills just came today in the mail for the CR1 & CR2 so I am hoping that they get sent to GZ by the end of August.

     

    Feeling frustrated and just needed to vent/whine a little :)

  13. Duplicate IMBRA RFE for K3

    in General Visa Discussion & First Steps

    Posted

    I would recommend completing the second RFE just like the first and returning it. The USCIS may be screwed up, but don't let their mistake cause you additional delay because they don't feel like they didn't get the information requested.

    231043[/snapback]

    Additional delays you say - Forget about it - take a look at my timeline - my K3 has a receipt date of 3/6/06 (the first day of the IMBRA mess) and has been basically sitting every since. My CR1/CR2 is moving along and will get to GUZ before the K3 ever sees an envelope.

     

    I am planning on sending back a cover letter (asking them WHY) with a copy of my original completed and signed RFE and copy of delivery confirmation... It certainly can't make it any slower of a process :blink: and I have basically given up on the K3 and am now putting most of my effort in the CR1/CR2 process.

  16. Duplicate IMBRA RFE for K3

    in General Visa Discussion & First Steps

    Posted

    I got what appears to be a duplciate RFE for the IMBRA today in the mail. I previously received one on 7/3/2006 and returned it via priority mail with proof of delivery on 7/5/2006. Proof of delivery shows 7/10/2006.

     

    The first RFE was dated 6/28/2006 and the second one is dated 7/10/2006. The file number and A# are the same and the RFE is the standard IMBRA questionaire that was previously completed, signed and returned? I did not receive another email regarding this mailing and there hasn't been any change in my status which shows a RFE on 7/3/2006.

     

    Anybody have this happen to them? Any guesses why?

  17. CR2

    in General Visa Discussion & First Steps

    Posted · Edited by scott1956 (see edit history)

    OK everybody G-325A or photo is NOT required for stepchild. I am absolutely positive of this - I talked to several people at USCIS before I filed and my applications have been approved. According to the people I talked too - G-325A and photo have not been ever required for stepchild (at least for the last few years - since they only had been working there for a few years). They both referred me to I-130 Instructions (Rev. 10/26/05) page 2, number 7 "What Documents Do You Need to Prove a Family Relationship?" If you are filing for:

    A. (CR1) husband or wife; 3. photo 4. G-325A

    H. (CR2) stepparent/stepchild: "...you must file your petition with a copy of the marriage certificate of the stepparent to the child's natural parent showing that the marriage occurred before the child's 18th birthday, and copies of documents showing that any prior marriages were legally terminated."

     

    THAT'S IT ... NO G-325A or PHOTO.

     

    As I indicated previously, I included the child's birth certificate - for proof that she was the child of my wife. Marriage certificate with english translation for proof of marriage to child's mother prior to 18th birthday. Wife's divorce papers with english translation and my divorce papers as specifcally requested. I also provided another copy of my birth certificate as required by Instruction number 5A. "What Documents Do You Need to Show That You Are a United States Citizen?"

  18. CR2

    in General Visa Discussion & First Steps

    Posted

    I prepared one cover letter for both applications (CR1 & CR2) and included 2 checks. I included the following items for the CR2: 1. Copy of my Birth Certificate. 2. Marriage Certificate & Certified English Translation. 3. Copy of step daughter's (beneficiary) birth certificate & Certified English Translation. 4. Copy of mother's (wife) divorce decree & Certified English Translation. 5. Copy of statement by Father giving mother full custody of daughter and permission to settle in US & Certified English Translation (This was just a precautionary item - not required). 6. Copy of my divorce decree.

     

    I did NOT provide a photo or G-325A for the CR2 as they are not required.

     

    GOOD LUCK!

  21. IMBRA RFE for K-3

    in General Visa Discussion & First Steps

    Posted

    Just got my mail and there was my RFE per IMBRA. I still haven't deceided how I will reply regarding the marriage broker - We met on yahoo personals. It is funny that my CR1 & CR2 applications are moving right along (just paid the I-864 fee and sent in the DS-3032) and may actually arrive in GUZ before the K3. Goodluck to you and may the immigration GODS be with You!

  23. Last Name Changes

    in General Visa Discussion & First Steps

    Posted

    SO and I are planning on marrying in Zhanjiang January 20, 2006. I believe we both have obtained all the necessary paperwork in order to register to marry in China.

     

    My questions are regarding my SO wanting to take my family name as hers (Pokorny vs Wang - come on seems logical to me that she keep Wang) I have told her that it is her name so it is her choice (as it should be). Now my concerns:

     

    1. If she chooses to change her name will the local authorities in Zhanjiang complete the marriage certificate with the name of her choice or will they automatically use her family name since this is the Chinese tradition?

     

    2. I would like to complete the I-130, I-129F and G-325A forms before going so I can print them out and have her complete the (name and address in Chinese portion) and sign the 325A's. If she chooses to change family name and is successful in getting it listed as such on the marriage certificate then do we use Pokorny as her Family name on all of the forms? What if they the marriage certificate still shows Wang as family name? Do we still fill out the forms using the family name of her choice or do we stick with the name on the marriage certificate?

     

    3. Would she have to write Pokorny in chinese were it asks for name and address in native alphabet?

     

    4. Will she have to have her name changed on her national ID and passport before her CR-1/K-3 interview?

     

    I am having some difficulty communicating these issues with my SO and every time I approach the subject in order to complete the forms she just keeps saying I will be Li Shu Pokorny :blink:

  24. K3/CR1 newbie question

    in General Visa Discussion & First Steps

    Posted

    I failed to mention that you can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes. Print a copy of the W-7 form from the IRS website, fill it out and send it in along with your IRS 1040. You will be able to file, listing your wife's name, on the tax form.

    171614[/snapback]

    Can you obtain the ITIN as soon as you are married? Just wondering as I am going to Zhanjiang 1-20-06 to be married and would love to be able to file my 2006 tax return as married filing jointly (as she would have no reportable income). Can you also obtain an ITIN for step children and then claim them as dependants? Thanks for any help in this matter.

  25. Marriage in China - K3/K4 or CR-1

    in General Visa Discussion & First Steps

    Posted

    Welcome aboard Scott.  I'm with the majority here.  I'd probably file the I-130 for both, assuming the step daughter is under 18 when you get married, then file the I-129F for the K-3 and K-4.

     

    I always wondered what would happen if someone only filed one I-130 for the spouse and not the child but filed for the K-3/K-4 for both.  The worst case scenario might be having the CR-1 move faster and get to the consulate before the K-3/K-4 gets there.  Would you then have to drop the CR-1 for the spouse?  If the spouse went CR-1, there might be not derivative K-4 for the child, so I'm guessing you might have to cancel the CR-1 and continue waiting for the K-3/K-4 or file a fresh I-130 for the child and start the wait all over again.

     

    Incidentally, my wife is from Zhanjiang and keeps in touch with many of her friends there.  Who knows, it might be a small world. ;)

    170235[/snapback]

    I know my SO has several friends from ZJ that have immigrated to the US or are in the process. In fact she has one friend who just immigrated to Birmingham, AL in October - her name is Ling. One big happy family here in the US :)

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