Interview for green card (I 130) for Iranians: What consulate to choose?

[mohsen 0]

Hello All,

I applied for my wife who is in Iran to get a green card (I 130) on 9/24/2009. I have to choose which consulate she should go for her interview. I believe the options are mostly Anakra, Istanbul, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

What are the advantages/disadvantages, of each of these consulates? what are your experiences? Is there a major reason to pick one over another? How long did you wait for your interview to be scheduled? etc....

Edited October 3, 2009 by mohsen

[canadian_wife 1,826]

I don't think you pick, what did you answer on question 22 on the I-130? The part where is asked if your partner is not eligible for adjustment of status, the visa will be applied for at the US consulate at:

[mohsen 0]

Hi Canadian Wife

Thanks for your reply. Actually you are right about the "You don't get to pick" part. I didn't remember doing that on I130. However I am going to apply for I129 (K3) too soon, and on that form, there is one question that asks where do you want your file to go. So I am thinking wherever you write on that question is going to be the place that your I130 is also routed? I mean, could your I130 go to a different consulate than the one that you mentioned in your I129?

By the way, it seems like there is no Istanbul or Dubai for immigrant visas. So the battle is between Ankara and Abu Dhabi. People who have done this before, please share your knowledge/experience/regular trends/etc about advantages/disadvantages of each? Any major reason to pick up one over the other, etc...I am a newcomer to this and I really could use your thoughts, ideas and experiences.

Thanks again CW, and congratulations!!!

Edited October 3, 2009 by mohsen

[canadian_wife 1,826]

I STRONGLY suggest you do NOT file the I-129F for the K-3. It is an expensive, obsolete, slow visa.

Good luck

[mohsen 0]

Hi again Canadian Wife

I heard about obsolete and slow, but thought it's a free process, since you already pay $355 for I130. Of course if you mean it is going to be expensive if you want to pursue it (i.e. actually choose that path instead of CR1), then I agree. I am mostly filing it just for peace of mind and back up. I know that usually CR1 gets approved with not too much time difference with I129, but like I said I am just filing it just to be in peace of mind, and also say wife that we are actually doing whatever we can

So, are you saying that they pick up the interview place for you then, and you don't have a say in this (so there is no poinr for me to investigate which consulate might be slightly better (i.e. Ankara, or Abu Dhabi))?

Thanks,

Edited October 4, 2009 by mohsen