Weighing different options as my partner will need to travel after we are married

[SabrinaJerome 52]

Yes. If DCF is not available, you still follow that guide. Since DCF is only available in a few countries, it's quite common to send the I-130 and documents to the Chicago lockbox.

Thank you, NLR,

I'm trying to find the processing times for people that were in our situation. CR1 from abroad, from Spain, through Chicago (not DCF).

Do you know where I could find that?

[NikLR 13,227]

Thank you, NLR,

I'm trying to find the processing times for people that were in our situation. CR1 from abroad, from Spain, through Chicago (not DCF).

Do you know where I could find that?

It all depends on the service center. It's possible for the USCIS portion to only be 1-3 months vs the normal 6ish.

[SabrinaJerome 52]

It all depends on the service center. It's possible for the USCIS portion to only be 1-3 months vs the normal 6ish.

Hmmm, so, next dumb question, which service center?

You mean, for example, since I am from NY, it would be Vermont?

[NikLR 13,227]

Are you residing in the USA at the moment? Most often non-DCF abroad applications are sent to California where there is the unofficial auto expedite. Some of the newer service centers though dont do this and its possible to end up there too.

[SabrinaJerome 52]

Are you residing in the USA at the moment? Most often non-DCF abroad applications are sent to California where there is the unofficial auto expedite. Some of the newer service centers though dont do this and its possible to end up there too.

No, we live in Spain right now. True, I am sitting in NYC at the moment, for the holidays. We are getting married after Christmas and then will return to Spain in early January.

I read that I would need to send the 130 to the Chicago Lockbox. Is that correct? Then afterwards it is sent to California?

Hmm, would it be possible, or rather, a good idea, to send the first package from NY while we are still here?? (if i can collect everything fast enough)... would it still be considered an "abroad" application? I'd only mail it from here, that's all. hmmm

[SabrinaJerome 52]

Any thoughts, anyone, on that last post?

I would really like to get some ballpark figure on how long this is taking people. Too quick would be almost as bad as very long.

Thanks guys!

[NikLR 13,227]

You can make it take longer... You cannot speed it up. It still takes between 8 months and just over a year... in general most people are done between 8-14 month with an average of 12ish.

[SabrinaJerome 52]

You can make it take longer... You cannot speed it up. It still takes between 8 months and just over a year... in general most people are done between 8-14 month with an average of 12ish.

Haha yeah, I was looking at the different steps to see where I could delay it if it was going very quickly.

But this 8-14 month timeline is for a CR1 that is filed from the US, no?

I understand that the process is shorter for a petition filed from abroad.

I am looking for that data.

[NikLR 13,227]

It can be but it only shortens the I-130 stage. So instead of 4-6 months on average for that, you're looking at 2ish. So about an 8 months journey. Again, you can slow the visa process at the NVC stage for several years if needed.

It's a great deal harder to slow down a K1. Also a K1 would not allow your spouse to work or leave the USA for 30-90 days. Really, your only option is the CR1 because of the needs of your significant other.

[SabrinaJerome 52]

It can be but it only shortens the I-130 stage. So instead of 4-6 months on average for that, you're looking at 2ish. So about an 8 months journey. Again, you can slow the visa process at the NVC stage for several years if needed.

Okay, thanks, because we want to do a ceremony for friends and family this summer in the US and I don't know if he'll be able to come by then!!

I am looking into the "yes he can visit" forums but am having difficulty finding our situation. He has a 10 year tourist visa at this point, but I am unclear as to whether or not he will still be able to use it after I start the CR1 process.

???

[NikLR 13,227]

Okay, thanks, because we want to do a ceremony for friends and family this summer in the US and I don't know if he'll be able to come by then!!

I am looking into the "yes he can visit" forums but am having difficulty finding our situation. He has a 10 year tourist visa at this point, but I am unclear as to whether or not he will still be able to use it after I start the CR1 process.

???

Of course he can. CBP doesn't know someone is going through the immigration process unless they have a reason to search it out or unless you volunteer that information.

[SabrinaJerome 52]

Hmm, okay, so when they scan his passport at control, none of that information comes up on the screen??

I did read about people who came in to visit during an immigration process, using their tourist visa, and brought copies of their I130 and other documents, and were allowed in. Not necessary?

In addition, he could bring documents that show his need to return to Spain, such as our apartment lease and the business he owns...?

[NikLR 13,227]

Hmm, okay, so when they scan his passport at control, none of that information comes up on the screen??

I did read about people who came in to visit during an immigration process, using their tourist visa, and brought copies of their I130 and other documents, and were allowed in. Not necessary?

In addition, he could bring documents that show his need to return to Spain, such as our apartment lease and the business he owns...?

Not normally no.

They bring that as proof that they're already pursing a legal path. I brought a copy of my NOA1 when I was visiting along with other evidence I would be returning back home (a letter from my employer, a copy of my lease, and copies of bills). I was never asked for any of it. They do ask more questions than just purpose of visit though after you state you're visiting a spouse but generally they ask where you work and when you will be returning. He should have a copy of his entire itinerary and try to stay for only short visits vs long ones. In reality people can't just leave their work for months and months at a time.

[Darnell 8,478]

Haha yeah, I was looking at the different steps to see where I could delay it if it was going very quickly.

But this 8-14 month timeline is for a CR1 that is filed from the US, no?

I understand that the process is shorter for a petition filed from abroad.

I am looking for that data.

eh - we've a topic about this, this auto-expedite queue, and folk who got into it.

I'll dig around a bit and post the url - but I think once you read it all, you'll get a better sense of how to file to make certain you get INTO that queue [which is really important]

[Darnell 8,478]

Sorry, been busy,

but

here's the topic url:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/357465-usc-petitioner-living-abroad/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/357465-usc-petitioner-living-abroad/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/357465-usc-petitioner-living-abroad/

Note this covers a 3 year span currently, and there was a period of time when this auto-routing to CSC into that hidden expedite queue not occur, but it's back !