MarieN

Hello everyone,

After a 9 month wait we've finally heard back from the NVC that my case has been received and we're through to the next stage of the process (woooo)

I want to get ahead with everything and be as organised and prepared as possible and was going to apply for my ACRO certificate so i have it to hand when needed. However, i'll be moving house (still in the UK) in the next couple of months, and i was wondering if that would render my ACRO invalid if i apply for it now at my old address?

When choosing my agent i chose myself at my mum's address since i'm unsure of where i'll be living if any correspondence does come through, so will i have to inform the NVC of my move at all if they will be contacting me there anyway?

thank you

Rete

The ACRO is not about where you live but about your criminal history or lack thereof. Moving will not affect it whatsoever.

You do not have to advise anyone of the move since you have put a stable address in the system for contacting you. You can update your resident address at the time of completing the forms in the UK for your Consulate interview.

MarieN

Ah thank you, that's a relief. I was worried it would mention the address i'm at now on the certificate. Saves me having to wait until i change everything over to get my proof of address too so that's good. thank you .

Twinkle0927

I assume you also provided an email address to the NVC? If you did, you will only hear from them by email, with very few exceptions. We got everything by email except the official notice from them that my visa type had changed from CR-1 to IR-1 which arrived a few days after our second wedding anniversary. No idea why they felt the need to tell us of this or put it in writing but they did.

MarieN

Yes I gave them my email address I'm just working my way through the form and have a couple more questions if anyone knows the answers?

1: do i just need 1 certificate or should i order a copy too?
2: Where it asks for my Surname should i put my surname as per my passport (still in my old name) or put my new married name? I sent off my i-130 in my new married name but informed them of my old name. Does this matter?

thank you so much for your advice

Rete

You will only need one copy and that is to be given to the Doctor's at Knightsbridge. But always good to have a backup.

I would put my maiden name. They need to clear you from birth onward.

If you are able to, I would put it as Rete nee Smith Jones

MarieN

I've had three names though. My passport is in my previous married name. There is a section that asks if i've ever been known by any other names so i was going to put my maiden name in there.

rpjs

Put the name you are currently using when you fill out the form in the Surname field, and any other names you've used in the other names section.

MarieN

So I should put my current surname even if it isn't on my passport and then put my previous married name and my maiden name in the other field?

KK85

I am a UKC who recently went through the CR-1 process to join my USC husband in PA. I put my married name on all forms throughout the process, under the advice that this would mean my visa (and, subsequently, my green card) would be issued in my married name. My passport was (and still is) in my maiden name - I was incorrectly told that wouldn't determine/affect the name on my visa at all.

My visa was issued in my maiden name, as this is the name on my passport. When I went for my interview at the embassy, I was questioned about this and advised that this would be the case.

My advice, therefore, is to change your name on your passport if it is important to you to have your US documentation in your married name; alternatively, simply be prepared to carry your marriage certificate around with you when applying for bank accounts etc. when you get to the States. I wanted everything to be in my married name, but to be honest it has caused very little issue. I was able to have my SSN issued in my married name; I am employed under my married name; my bank accounts are under my married name; but my only (current) official identification (passport) is in my maiden name.

I imagine that, in the case of your ACRO, the name it is issued in will be of little importance, so long as it can be linked back to you through the name that is on it and through any documentation you have that proves that is you.

MarieN

That's really helpful, thanks KK85

BritInParis

FYI the address you put on your ACRO application form will appear on your certificate although I doubt that will render it invalid for the purposes of the US Embassy.

MarieN

Hi everyone, thanks for your help. I received a duplicate email from the NVC with the welcome letter attached today. I don't know why they've sent it again, but i was re-reading the checklist of documents to send over and it asks for a police certificate. Is that only if i state that i have any criminal convictions on the form or do they want me to send over a copy of the ACRO?

Noorah101

To my knowledge, they want a copy of the ACRO.

Rene

KK85

You're welcome.

I agree with Rene - I believe they are asking for your ACRO.