Filing for spouse under F2A, waiting for my n400 approval

[txdoc 35]

Hello guys,

 

I have a question regarding F2A vs IR1. A little background info:

I'm a LPR, filed for citizenship 2 months ago, waiting on interview.

 

I'm planning on marrying my fiancee and applying for her immigration. I was wondering if it's better to go ahead and apply right now as a LPR, or wait until I'm a citizen? I noticed all service center i130 processing times are close to each other (7-9 months) except California is almost 2 years. However, California doesn't have a processing time for IR1 category for i130. I wonder if those cases never go to that service center? 

 

Second, if I go ahead and file for her i130 under F2A, get my citizenship and upgrade to IR1, does it change anything at the USCIS office, or will it only affect NVC? 

 

I was originally under the impression that the service center goes by physical location of the applicant (not the beneficiary), but I guess that's not true. Any help will be appreciated, thanks!

[milimelo 4,486]

File as LPR then upgrade. Yes, to approve I-130 for F2A it takes two years - you’ll speed it up once you’re a citizen and send in a copy of your naturalization certificate. 

[txdoc 35]

25 minutes ago, milimelo said:

File as LPR then upgrade. Yes, to approve I-130 for F2A it takes two years - you’ll speed it up once you’re a citizen and send in a copy of your naturalization certificate. 

Thanks milimelo!

 

So the I130 approval process speeds up as well then. I read on the forums it only affects NVC portion of the journey. Good to hear USCIS is affected too! 2 years is awfully long.