The Next Step

[the rock 0]

Hi Everyone,

Here is my situation: I mailed I-130 (for my wife) on Jan. 23. It was sent back to me with my check and each and every documents because I forgot to put her birthdate on I-130 form (long story for that one too!). However, along with it came a yellow/green sheet telling me that I should put that sheet on top of my refiling so that they know to give it a "special attention." I remailed the I-130 on Feb. 4, 2011 and it arrived on Feb. 7 at Chicago lockbox. I just recieved the text message letting me know that the official receipt number of the case and when I went to USCIS website, it said that it is on "Intial Review." I have couple of questions regarding my situation.

1) My second case number is different then the first case number (which was rejected and sent back). Is this normal?

2) Does the intial review on the website means that I have NOA1?

3) The recipt number starts with WAC. What does that mean? A previous I-130 that was filed by my father for his mother started with EAC? Is there difference between the two?

4) My case is being sent to California Service Center. Is this a good sign or bad?

5) What do I have to do next?

6) Should start filing out I-864 and DS-3032? If yes, where do I get the forms at?

I know there are many questions, but I appreciate your help. Thank you in advance!!!

[Tero 105]

If they did not cash your check the first time, how then did they assign you a case number?

I would use the case number assigned to me when they cashed my check.

When you send petitions to the Chicago Lockbox, they re-route it depending on the "less busy" service center. They do not want one service center to be overworked while the other is underworked. It used to be that you sent to the service center based on the state you live but some centers got backlogged with petitions while the other is not, the reason you had to send it to the Chicago Lockbox.

EAC is for the Vermont Service Center, while WAC is for the California Service Center.

If you already have a case number, they'll still send you the official mail of your NOA-1. You have to wait for them to process your petition before you get the NOA-2 and make the next move. It does not matter what service center processes your petition.

Edited February 12, 2011 by Tero

[CanadaLove 16]

Some additional information for you:

What to do while waiting? Get prepped for the next stage: NVC. Read Loto's guide, and figure out what documentation you will need, and what you will need your spouse to get and send to you. You can find all forms here. Check to see if you're going to need a co-sponsor for the I-864. (you have to make 125% of the poverty level if you're only going to be supporting your spouse and yourself; if you have any dependents, the percentage of the poverty level goes up with each additional.)

Take a look around the forums - the wiki is helpful, and so is the downloads section - scroll to the top of the page and start clicking!