US Citizen married to Filipina living in Singapore

[zig2101 0]

Hi, I'm a US Citizen who has been living in Singapore for about 6+ years now. My wife (who is from the Philippines) and I married last year and are trying to get an immigrant visa for her. Since it seems that DCF is no longer an option in Singapore since Aug 2011, we'll have to send our I-130 to the Chicago Lockbox. Is there anyone else out there with a situation similar to mine who can share some of their experiences during this process?

Thanks in advance,

Reuben

[Leatherneck 693]

There are quite a few members that have filed the I-130 from abroad. USCIS has been approving I-130s with a foreign address relatively fast. For example, there was one recently that was approved in 7 days from NOA1 to NOA2.

The K-3 visa is an obsolete visa, your visa options will be IR-1/CR-1.

[zig2101 0]

Thanks for the fast reply! That's good to hear. I'm sending my I-130 petition for my wife soon so I'll start looking at the IR-1/CR-1 process too.

There are quite a few members that have filed the I-130 from abroad. USCIS has been approving I-130s with a foreign address relatively fast. For example, there was one recently that was approved in 7 days from NOA1 to NOA2.

The K-3 visa is an obsolete visa, your visa options will be IR-1/CR-1.

[Leatherneck 693]

Thanks for the fast reply! That's good to hear. I'm sending my I-130 petition for my wife soon so I'll start looking at the IR-1/CR-1 process too.

You're welcome!

Do not submit a I-129F in addition to the I-130 and your petition will be processed relatively fast. Even if you do submit a I-129f, it'll be closed administratively. Once approved at USCIS and the case is complete at NVC -- there are only 2 visa options available, based on how long you've been married.

Less than 2 years = CR-1 -- which gets your wife a 2 year Green card and 2 years or more = IR-1 -- which means she receives a 10 Green card.

Be sure to read the "Guides."

Edited March 11, 2012 by Leatherneck

[Leatherneck 693]

Thanks for the fast reply! That's good to hear. I'm sending my I-130 petition for my wife soon so I'll start looking at the IR-1/CR-1 process too.

Keep in mind, that is only the first leg of the processing completed at USCIS, there will be further processing once the approved petition is sent to NVC. Filing from abroad, seems to avoid the long wait at USCIS for approval.