I30 / visa questions

[Machimack 0]

I recently got married to a German citizen in January. I am due to PCS in August. I just filed the i30 visa and sent it off to uscis, HOWEVER they said the processing time could be 4-6 months to just let me know if i get approved for the interview. that’s only the first part, then we have to go to the embassy for an interview for final approval of visa. I have her on my orders (command sponsored) and I need to know if she will be able to legally enter the states when we PCS since she’s on my orders? She has a travel passport, but I can’t imagine the visa office approving her in time . Would there be a specific time limit before she gets kicked out if she were to enter? I’m really stressing over this and just need some advice. The passport office on base is way to busy all the time and never answers the phone or email, and the USCIS customer support ends up directing me to websites that are super vague. Thanks!

[Roel 7,193]

4 - 6 months is VEEEEEEEERY unrealistic. It's going to be more like 12 to 14 months.

 

She cannot enter the US at all if she doesn't have any kind of valid visa. So I'm not sure what you mean about getting kicked out... If she is German citizen she can use ESTA but she only only stay 90 day in the US. She cannot go to the US permanently just because she has a passport and she's on orders. She still needs immigrant visa.

 

I'm curious about 2 things - 1. Why on Earth did you wait so long to file for the visa, knowing that you're going to PCS soon? 2. Why on Earth didn't you apply for military DCF which would be 3 times faster than I-130 visa?

 

At this point I highly doubt that you will travel to the US together.  You did some very poor planning.  The very realistic scenario is that simply you'll move first and she'll join you once the visa is approved.

 

You - could - try to apply for expedite (PCS would be a valid reason ). You need to call USCIS. Try military hotline.

(but even with expedite it might not be enough time before August)

Edited May 2, 2019 by Roel

[Machimack 0]

I was not aware of DCF. Can you point me in the direction on how to do this exactly? 

[Lil bear 4,375]

2 minutes ago, Machimack said:

I was not aware of DCF. Can you point me in the direction on how to do this exactly? 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/petition/submit-a-petition/filing-petitions-outside-the-us.html

[Roel 7,193]

Just now, Machimack said:

I was not aware of DCF. Can you point me in the direction on how to do this exactly? 

Well, it's probably too late anyway (to be approved before August), but you need to contact the Consulate in Frankfurt https://de.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/military-families/ 

 

 

DCF is not instant but definitely doesn't take a year like a spouse visa.

[Roel 7,193]

https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-offices/germany-frankfurt-field-office

Who May File or Receive Service:

U.S. citizens residing in Germany filing on behalf of their spouse, unmarried child under the age of 21 or parent (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older).

U.S. citizens residing in this field office’s jurisdiction but outside of Germany may file with the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate having jurisdiction over the U.S. citizen's place of residence if the USCIS Frankfurt field office director determines that there are exceptional circumstances.

Active duty U.S. Military: Active duty U.S. military service members stationed permanently at a military base in USCIS Frankfurt's jurisdiction, but outside of Germany, may file this form directly with the Department of State without needing to establish exceptional circumstances.

[Roel 7,193]

Oh also - USCIS is actually in process of removing the DCF option - so before you get that going, ask Frankfurt if they still accept petitions.

If not - then you can try to expedite the current I-130. But also be prepare that your wife might NOT travel with you in August. But that's perfectly fine, separation is usually part of immigration.

[Machimack 0]

3 minutes ago, Roel said:

Oh also - USCIS is actually in process of removing the DCF option - so before you get that going, ask Frankfurt if they still accept petitions.

If not - then you can try to expedite the current I-130. But also be prepare that your wife might NOT travel with you in August. But that's perfectly fine, separation is usually part of immigration.

Okay, I filed through them, followed all of the steps when I was submitting my form. Mailed it to this address and everything. Asked and they accept DCF, so from my understanding I have in fact submitted DCF. I am just waiting to hear back for a receipt number since it was delivered to them last week. Then once I get that I can try and expedite it on top of it being DCF?

Edited May 2, 2019 by Machimack

[Roel 7,193]

3 minutes ago, Machimack said:

Okay, I filed through them, followed all of the steps when I was submitting my form. Mailed it to this address and everything. Asked and they accept DCF, so from my understanding I have in fact submitted DCF. I am just waiting to hear back for a receipt number since it was delivered to them last week. Then once I get that I can try and expedite it on top of it being DCF?

 

Maybe. You need to contact them. Personally I never heard about expediting DCF.

 

[Lil bear 4,375]

1 minute ago, Machimack said:

Okay, I filed through them, followed all of the steps when I was submitting my form. Mailed it to this address and everything. Asked and they accept DCF, so from my understanding I have in fact submitted DCF. I am just waiting to hear back for a receipt number since it was delivered to them last week. Then once I get that I can try and expedite it on top of it being DCF?

DCF doesn’t expedite I don’t think. It’s already expedited from the usual processing ... the time it takes is determined by the time needed for processing at each  step .. nothing can be skipped.. it’s just that the application is attended top of their pile and given priority processing by the Consulate staff . As previously stated , Consular processing takes 12 to 15 months .. so we “usual processors “ are definitely envious ! 

[Boiler 46,414]

DCF is an expedited process whether it can be more expedited I do not know.

[Roel 7,193]

The Consulate website advice US military members to apply for their spouses at least 6 months in advance before PCSing..  Unfortunately you guys didn't plan this too well. Should have applied back in January when you got married. Good thing is, after you leave to the US, your wife will join you in about 2 - 3 months. Better than 12 months being separated.

[Ryan H 3,840]

~~~Hijack post removed; if you have your own question, you need to start your own thread.~~~