Getting a tourist visa to visit the States - Before or after filing i-130 package?

[JE57 239]

I'm wondering why no one has suggested direct consulate filing as a potential solution

[Cathi 5,784]

I'm wondering why no one has suggested direct consulate filing as a potential solution

because it is not an option in most countries

[JE57 239]

Ok, sadly I have to concede that while DCF seems like it would be a solution to the problem it is only available in countries that have a USCIS field office. I found a list of those countries at the following website: http://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-immigration-offices. Sadly for OP Ecuador is not one of the countries.. My apologies for the digression without proper knowledge or research... It is too bad that people who have been married for a significant amount of time have to be apart for long periods of time. I had heard at one point that such applications were attempted to be fast tracked.

[HFM181818 750]

the piles of petitions grows faster than the number of housewives in Idaho who can rubber stamp, er, adjudicate them.

[Michael and Ganna 104]

This whole process is pain....I am sure that most of us here in hindsight would had done things a little differently. Research, asking questions, rolling the dice and believing is what gets you through. Nobody wants to be away from there loved one, it is just fact when it comes down to a international relationship and it truly sucks. It is hard on the emotional bank and it is not a cheap endeavor. A $160 to file a petition for a B-2 in my view is worth it. I know money doesn't grow on trees (yet), but you will have your answer from the horses mouth....not the consensus of a forum.

[HFM181818 750]

or an answer from some part of a horse!

[GabbyBird 53]

The root issue is that she now has a USC as a spouse. Going to be very difficult to show strong ties back to her home country when she has a very strong tie to someone in this country.

I personally wouldn't even bother, especially from a strict embassy. Just start the spouse visa and go visit her. Most of us here have spent a good year or more away from our spouses. You make it work and in some cases come out stronger on the other end.

[AB loves AG 54]

Doesn't hurt for her to try for the B-2, then you'll know, it won't affect your I-130 app. But as others said, chances are unlikely. My husband and I tried once, but didn't try a 2nd time because nothing had changed. We knew the answer would be no. As others have said, meet in a 3rd country or resolve to the fact that you'll be traveling there.

[abhorsen327 1]

Ok, sadly I have to concede that while DCF seems like it would be a solution to the problem it is only available in countries that have a USCIS field office. I found a list of those countries at the following website: http://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-immigration-offices. Sadly for OP Ecuador is not one of the countries.. My apologies for the digression without proper knowledge or research... It is too bad that people who have been married for a significant amount of time have to be apart for long periods of time. I had heard at one point that such applications were attempted to be fast tracked.

My husband's was definitely fast-tracked through USCIS (2 month processing time), but you have to go through the same NVC horror as everyone else.

[JFH 12,191]

Can you not visit her in Ecuador while the paperwork is plodding through the system? I understand you don't want to be apart. We are all with you on that! That's why we are here. But if you think she won't get a tourist visa to visit you, you might have to visit her instead. You do what you have to do.

But I have to say, this is one of the things you have to bear in mind when embarking on a long-distance relationship.

Edited December 21, 2015 by JFH

[Michael and Ganna 104]

or an answer from some part of a horse!

Yes, you will notice I did not say the south end of a northbound horse