Can I leave after filing i-130?

[joanamber 16]

Hi!

After the approval of the DCF i-130, can I leave the Philippines and go to America already or do I have to stay here until the whole process is finished? Is the petitioner needed in other processes aside from the filing?

I'm planning to go ahead of my husband and kid to earn money abroad and look for a place for us to live while the petition is processing in the Ph.

Do you think it's ok?

Thank you!~

[Lhanz0729 52]

It's okay to go back to the states after the filing. Some wait for the approval just in case USCIS ask for more documents for whatever reason

[galephys 12]

I waited for the approval and left, but only because I already had tickets and approval took 2 days.

[joanamber 16]

I waited for the approval and left, but only because I already had tickets and approval took 2 days.

Thanks for the info! How long did the whole process take? Where there any problems with the visa processing w/o you?

[Lhanz0729 52]

The approval took 8 business days for us. The entire process was a little over one month but we could've completed it in less than 3 weeks if we didn't slack.

[galephys 12]

Thanks for the info! How long did the whole process take? Where there any problems with the visa processing w/o you?

It took exactly 3 months, typical for consular processing in Moscow. I flew back in for my husband's interview just to support him, but it is not required. His visa was in AP for 59 days, got approved today. I don't think my presence made any difference for the CO, they were not concerned about the relationship at all.

At USCIS field office everyone was super nice and they told me I can fly to the US anytime.