Timing and CR1

[ak3 0]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone knows if it is legal to start the visa process CR1 when the beneficiary is serving time in the military in his country (my husband has 2 year mandatory service in Egypt).

If it is possible to start the process, in what ways can I control the timing...should I wait until he is about to start his 2nd year of service before beginning? I think that the only paperwork that would not be available to us is his military record--which I think comes later in the process?

If anyone has heard of this type of situation please share with me--I need to know if it is legal to do.

Appreciate any responses

In addition, I have another question about the beneficiary's passport...

When sending in the first package, do I need to send in copies of it, I noticed in the guides that it is crossed out so at that point would I need to send or no..

Thank u

[aussiewench 9]

Yes you have some control and can hold things back at various times and it is legal.

Once you have an approved I-130 and it is forwarded to NVC, the NVC process takes 2-3 months with James shortcuts. Not using the shortcuts and also delaying when you send off the various bills/forms you could realistically stretch the NVC process out to 6 months or more easy. Once transferred to the consulate that is not easily stretched as the CR-1 interview is either scheduled by the NVC once it finishes its review and security checks, or by the consulate when it receives the case from NVC. Depending on the consulate wait times you will generally receive packet 4 6-8 weeks before the interview. As I said this is general and the package to interview could be shorter or longer. Also dependant on the consulate/country the interview is held, there is also the issue of AP (security checks) and this can hold up the NVC process even further. I think though that you could safely stretch out to 12 months but be prepared that it could on its own be 12 months or more without stretching it out if there is AP (at NVC) and taking the wait time for interviews into consideration.

Also keep in mind that if you file the I-129F for the K-3 the only time you can stretch things a little is at interview stage with packet 3. You wont have near the control of stretching things.

Passport: A photocopy of the beneficiary's passort will be needed at NVC stage.

Once the approved I-130 reaches NVC, the documents you need to submit to NVC with the DS-230 depends on the country of the beneficiary/applicant.

Have a read of the applicable link to see what you will be required to submit.

Instructions for Immigrant Visa Applicants (applying in Albania, Canada, Lebanon, Philippines, Turkey, United Arab Emirates or on the continent of Africa)

When one is required to submit both parts 1 & II and all documents listed in the above link, the NVC reviews all documents and schedules the interview. Part 1 should only be signed not part II as that has to be signed at the interview stage in front of the conof.

Instructions for Immigrant Visa Applicants (NOT applying in Albania, Canada, Lebanon, Philippines, Turkey, United Arab Emirates or on the continent of Africa)

When one is only required to submit DS-230 part 1 and a copy of the biographics page of the passport, the consulate will schedule the interview.

Hope this helps a little

Lorelle

Edited: Just noted that you have DCF as your mode of filing. This is not advice for doing DCF and is only for the I-130 process when filed in the US.

Edited August 9, 2006 by aussiewench