USCIS in Vienna - overseas filing

[malka 0]

Hi, all - I know that this isn't technically DCF, but it's the next best thing for now!

I thought it might be a good idea to start a topic with a focus on USCIS in Vienna, since there are so many tidbits of information about Vienna buried in various threads and so much new information is cropping up as they adjust to the new situation. Since the Adam Walsh law went into effect, USC's abroad can no longer file their I-130 petition with the consulate. That may change in the future, but for now, they must file with the appropriate USCIS office. The overseas USCIS office in Vienna has direct jurisdiction over Austria, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro (f.k.a. Yugoslavia), Slovakia, and Slovenia.

This is what I know so far, and any additions, corrections, clarifications, etc. that anyone can add will be great!

You can only file an I-130 petition in Vienna if you have been a legal permanent resident in a country in their jurisdiction for at least six months.

They expect that adjudication of the I-130 petitions will be quite rapid (less than a couple of weeks).

You can send in your petition by mail.

Be sure that any money order you send as fee payment is international and can that they can cash it in Austria.

You can also pay the filing fee with a credit card or personal check (USA funds bank account).

Here's what they told me to send in with the petition (but I wouldn't take this as the gospel):

I-130 form (and supporting docs)

G-325A bio page (one for each of you)

1 passport photo of each of you

Translated and legalized(!) marriage license

proof of legal residency for at least 6 months (what proof, exactly, is still unclear)

copy of USC's passport ( photocopy is fine)

filing fee ($190 unless its a personal check, in which case it's $192.00)

That's all I (think I) know for now!