First of all, I can't find a definite answer anywhere - is my son considered to be in unlimited or relative preference category?
I am married to a US citizen, but my son is not adopted by him. I am still a permanet resident. Petition for an immigrant visa for my 18-year old son was filed by my husband.

A month ago we received an approval notice and it says that our file has been forwarded to NVC. It's been a month that I call NVC to find out the status of our case, and there is no information in their system yet. It's very URGENT that I bring my son here very soon , or he will be drafted to the Russian military. Who and how can help me? (NVC live support puts you on hold for the whole day, never answers)
I also read ( but not on the official NVC site http://travel.state.gov/nvc.html ) that NVC changed the procedure as of Jan2001 http://www.visalaw.com/00dec4/5dec400.html
Is that true?

In the meantime, I am worried about documents for his interview.

1. I-864
It was made and sent to him to Russia earlier - in August 2000. Do we have to send a new one (I heard it should be filed at the time of interview within 6 months of signing)? Or will we have to send it to NVC(according to their changes?)

2. Tax returns.
I have copies of my tax returns for 1997,1998, 1999 years (filed respectively in 1998,1999 and 2000). His interview will not probably be scheduled for another 2-3 months. Does that mean he will be required to have a copy of my tax return for 2000 filed in 2001? What is the deadline (cutoff date) when they request taxes for 2000, not 1999 being the most recent year?

How official should the copies of my tax returns be? Do they require any seals, stamps on them? Or should they be notarized?
Should I get copies from IRS or can I just make a xerox copy and send it?
My two most recent tax returns were prepared by an official tax preparer. The last return was made by me (by hand) Is it
sufficient to send a xerox copy of this hand-made return?

If somebody can help in any way, I will appreciated it very much.
Please, reply to my email address lenams@bigfoot.com
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Lena
ICQ#:16174832
http://welcome.to/russian.accent

Dear LS:

If your husband is a US citizen, and if he married you prior to your son's 18th birthday, then your son is the step-son of your husband and is considered an immediate relative, at least until he turns 21.

It is true that the State Department will be changing procedures for the processing of cases through the National Visa Center. You can find out more information about this by checking our Immigration News section. However, this should not significantly delay the processing of your son's case.

The I-864, and supporting documents, must be current within 6 months of the interview date. You should follow the procedures outlined in the Packet 3 that you will receive from the NVC. You will be required to produce tax returns for the last 3 years that are due. If you are on the borderline, you may want to file your 2000 return so that there are no delays at the consul.

Usually, all that is required of tax returns is a complete copy with all supporting schedules and/or W-2s. Copies of self-prepared tax returns are acceptable. In questionable cases, the consul may request certified copies from the IRS. Good luck.

Thank you so much for your prompt and helpful reply. All my questions answered and I will go from here. Unbelievable, you provide this invaluable help for free! I can't express how much I appreciate it. God bless you (and the Internet)!
LS

My doughter was bourn in US Oklahoma 23 years ago .
I wanted to know is it possible for her to get citizenship?
thanks