I-130 Approved, now what?

[Pav 0]

Hi, we filed the I-130 for myself via DCF on 2/16 and got approved on 2/17. That was great, but now there are conflicting messages as to what to do next.

Letter in the mail: "Send form OF-169-1 ENG, DS-230 part I only, and I-864 to schedule an appointment." (By the way, do I need to call to schedule or how will they let me know when my scheduled appointment is? The mail system here in Mexico is completely unreliable, it is a miracle that we got the notifications.)

Email reply from inquiry: "Send only DS-230 parts I and II to schedule appointment."

Website: "Send DS-230 part I only, and I-864 to schedule an appointment." However, later on on packet 4 it asks to BRING form DS-230 and I-864 TO the interview.

So, really, what to file next?

One more question, I don't have military experience. However, by law, all Mexican males when turning 18 we have to attend every saturday morning for a year to serve in community service activities lead by army personnel. We then get a document, "cartilla", as proof. I've long lost that document since it is not required for anything, really. Is this considered "military service" and should I find ways to get the document again, or this is simply not considered military service?

Thanks in advance.

[Lia792 5]

Hi Pav,

I am also just about to file DCF...Mexico City. How about you? I imagine the letter you got in the mail contained the forms you were asked to send. (?) that would make it Packet 3. The OF-169 is just a checklist, so you may as well add it, and I think the I-864 is required before the interview for DCF, but I don't know what you should do about Parts I and II. Maybe someone who has already done their interview at Juarez can confirm? Just out of curiosity, how long did it take them to send you Packet 3, if that is what you have?

I came across a variety of answers about Mexico's military service. Some people put yes and included the cartilla, and some people put no. Google ds-230 and "military service" or "cartilla militar." Interestingly enough, one link suggested to put "yes" and that the cartilla includes your branch of the military and rank and other information needed for the DS-230. My husband says you might have to go to the offices of the "Defensa" if you want to get another copy, depending on whether you choose to say yes or no. I guess the point is arguable.

So, unfortunately, I don't have enough information to give you definitive answers to your questions, but hopefully my thoughts will give your thread a bump.

There are a bunch of us filing DCF in Mexico on the DCF forum if ever feel like stopping by. We already have a couple threads.

[danilou 0]

I filed thru DCF too but in the Philippines. After you got your notice of approval, did you have to call the embassy to mail you the forms?