International Filing for spouse

[TnN 2]

looking for advice from others more experienced in this area:

first here are the facts of our case

1)We are both living in China on foreign resident visas

2)there is a USCIS office here in Beijing at the embassy

3)Married in husbands country (Nigeria)

4)Need to get immigrant visa for spouse ASAP

Questions:

1) Where is the best place to file the I-130 form? and have an interview?

2) Is it faster to process everything in China or to send it to the US or file it in Nigeria?

3) If I send it to the US, where would he go for the interview?

4) What are your stories for filing your paperwork like this, since we are both outside our native countries? How long did it take?

Thank you for sharing your information

[amykathleen2005 441]

I can only guide you possibly in the direction of a DCF. If you live in a country legally for certain periods of time you can file for Direct Consular Filing which is easier and quicker. Hopefully someone experienced with China can give you more specifics on if that is a possibility. Otherwise a CR-1 through the US would be what you would need. Unfortunately nothing is all that quick.

[dwheels76 5,468]

Questions:

1) Where is the best place to file the I-130 form? and have an interview?

If you are a resident of China you maybe can interview there otherwise Nigeria. Check the qualifications to interview in China. Ask on the China forum.

2) Is it faster to process everything in China or to send it to the US or file it in Nigeria?

Like mentioned you may qualify for a DCF depending how long the Petitioner has been living in China. Can't file in Nigeria no DCF anymore there. The US lockbox would be your option. Do you have a domicile in the US?

3) If I send it to the US, where would he go for the interview?

If you are a resident of China you maybe can interview there otherwise Nigeria. Check the qualifications to interview in China. Ask on the China forum.

4) What are your stories for filing your paperwork like this, since we are both outside our native countries? How long did it take?

If you can file DCF you pretty much file at embassy and get through USCIS pretty quick some within a week, However when it comes to next step NVC you are in line like everyone else but your time usually still is faster.

When you say get Visa fast it still is going to take you 3 to 6 months if you get DCF filing otherwise up to 8 or more,. There are no guarantees.

[Sandra G. 5,048]

The USCIS web site states:

"U.S. Citizens, with proof of residency in the jurisdiction of the Beijing Field Office of USCIS) may file an Immediate Relative Petition (Form I-130) by making an appointment to come in to the office during Window hours".

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=38b38875d714d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=1ac900c262197210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

[dwheels76 5,468]

The USCIS web site states:

"U.S. Citizens, with proof of residency in the jurisdiction of the Beijing Field Office of USCIS) may file an Immediate Relative Petition (Form I-130) by making an appointment to come in to the office during Window hours".

http://www.uscis.gov...000082ca60aRCRD

You so smart Sandranj. Way to go and research.

[Darnell 8,478]

File the I-130 via Direct Consular Filing to the USCIS Office in BeiJing.

I assume you qualify, you need (the USCitizen) residency in China for 6 months or more.

After the I-130 is approved, there is more document intake (I-864 and DS-230) to the IV Unit at the USConsulate in Guangzhou (not BeiJing) so plan a bit for travel.

Good Luck !

Edited July 3, 2012 by Darnell

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

The fastest would be a DCF if 1 you have a resident visa and have been a resident for at least 6 months at the time of filing and 2 he will still be a legal resident for about the next year. about 6 months until the interview and allowing a few months for AP , which is frequent at both conulates. He will need police certificates at all places he has resided ( legally or not ) since 18. If his visa is expiring and will not be renewed , the interview will be in Nigeria or any country he is legally residing in. That process will be a bit over a year most likely again allowing for visa processing and AP. If he is living China have him get the police certificate thee just before he leaves.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moving from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to DCF forum.

**Organizer hat off**

Answers in bold:

Questions:

1) Where is the best place to file the I-130 form? and have an interview?

File the I-130 at the USCIS field office in Beijing, you will only be able to do so if you have been in China for 6 months or more. The interview will take place at the US Consulate in Guangzhou.

2) Is it faster to process everything in China or to send it to the US or file it in Nigeria?

While not a guarantee, it would be quicker if you file in China.

3) If I send it to the US, where would he go for the interview?

If you were to send it to the US, you would write the address in China on all applicable forms, the interview would take place in Guangzhou.

[Anh map 2,098]

Check the I-864 FAQ link in my signature below. It may have info that will help regarding the US citizen establishing US domicile and the affidavit of support.