Does an approved I-130 ever expire?

[frali 2]

Dear all,

I was wondering whether anyone knows how long is an I-130 valid for after its approved. Can I wait for a year before moving to NVC stage? Or does the I-130 expire after certain period of time?

Any ideas?

[redglasses 1]

I-130 doesn't expire.

[NicoleX08 1]

that is good to know. My husband may have to wait outside the country for 10 years, so we are not sure if we should proceed with the processing or wait until the 10 years is up and then continue with NVC...

[frali 2]

Nicole, Is it because of a ban?

[MrsRowe 2]

that is good to know. My husband may have to wait outside the country for 10 years, so we are not sure if we should proceed with the processing or wait until the 10 years is up and then continue with NVC...

Nicole, i believe there is a hardship waiver

[NicoleX08 1]

there is a waiver, but I think under one of the laws, he has to wait 10 years before he can even file it... I am going to a lawyer soon to talk about the options...

Edited September 5, 2008 by NicoleX08

[MrsRowe 2]

there is a waiver, but I think under one of the laws, he has to wait 10 years before he can even file it... I am going to a lawyer soon to talk about the options...

No i don't think you have to wait. that is the purpose of the hardship waiver is so you don't have to wait 10 years. I would say talk to a lawyer like you planned though, its' your best bet. I am sorry. Good Luck.

[2Hearts2Joys 0]

there is a waiver, but I think under one of the laws, he has to wait 10 years before he can even file it... I am going to a lawyer soon to talk about the options...

No i don't think you have to wait. that is the purpose of the hardship waiver is so you don't have to wait 10 years. I would say talk to a lawyer like you planned though, its' your best bet. I am sorry. Good Luck.

Please contact USCIS regarding the timeframe on approved I-130. My first I-130 was approved and I moved to another county. The documents were returned to USCIS do to change of address. Once I updated my new address I requested that my approved I-130 get forward over to NVC. The USCIS failed to transfer the approved petition. I must of made over 40 requests to have our case transferred. Our Attorney stated that we should file another I -130 for it appears that it is stuck at USCIS. I finally received a letter from USCIS which stated that our initial approved I-130 was no longer valid due to the fact 12 months has laspe since approval. So we had to submit another petition request due to that 12 mos lapse. (Oh by the way I filed the I-130 myself having a Attorney was a complete waste of money and time.) So check with USCIS to double check on the timeframe of I-130.

Good Luck.