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Posted

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!

Posted (edited)

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 by Roel

K1

29.11.2013 - NoA1

06.02.2014 - NoA2

01.04.2014 - Interview. 

AoS

03.2015 - AoS started.

09.2015 - Green Card received.  

RoC

24.07.2017 - NoA1.

01.08.2018 - RoC approved. 

 

 

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Australia
Timeline
Posted
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

Posted
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.

K1

29.11.2013 - NoA1

06.02.2014 - NoA2

01.04.2014 - Interview. 

AoS

03.2015 - AoS started.

09.2015 - Green Card received.  

RoC

24.07.2017 - NoA1.

01.08.2018 - RoC approved. 

 

 

Posted

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.

K1

29.11.2013 - NoA1

06.02.2014 - NoA2

01.04.2014 - Interview. 

AoS

03.2015 - AoS started.

09.2015 - Green Card received.  

RoC

24.07.2017 - NoA1.

01.08.2018 - RoC approved. 

 

 

Posted

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. ;)

K1

29.11.2013 - NoA1

06.02.2014 - NoA2

01.04.2014 - Interview. 

AoS

03.2015 - AoS started.

09.2015 - Green Card received.  

RoC

24.07.2017 - NoA1.

01.08.2018 - RoC approved. 

 

 

Posted (edited)
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 by Machimack
Posted
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.

 

K1

29.11.2013 - NoA1

06.02.2014 - NoA2

01.04.2014 - Interview. 

AoS

03.2015 - AoS started.

09.2015 - Green Card received.  

RoC

24.07.2017 - NoA1.

01.08.2018 - RoC approved. 

 

 

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Australia
Timeline
Posted
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 ! 

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
Timeline
Posted

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

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Posted

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.

K1

29.11.2013 - NoA1

06.02.2014 - NoA2

01.04.2014 - Interview. 

AoS

03.2015 - AoS started.

09.2015 - Green Card received.  

RoC

24.07.2017 - NoA1.

01.08.2018 - RoC approved. 

 

 

Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: China
Timeline
Posted

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

Our journey:

Spoiler

September 2007: Met online via social networking site (MySpace); began exchanging messages.
March 26, 2009: We become a couple!
September 10, 2009: Arrived for first meeting in-person!
June 17, 2010: Arrived for second in-person meeting and start of travel together to other areas of China!
June 21, 2010: Engaged!!!
September 1, 2010: Switched course from K1 to CR-1
December 8, 2010: Wedding date set; it will be on February 18, 2011!
February 9, 2011: Depart for China
February 11, 2011: Registered for marriage in Wuhan, officially married!!!
February 18, 2011: Wedding ceremony in Shiyan!!!
April 22, 2011: Mailed I-130 to Chicago
April 28, 2011: Received NOA1 via text/email, file routed to CSC (priority date April 25th)
April 29, 2011: Updated
May 3, 2011: Received NOA1 hardcopy in mail
July 26, 2011: Received NOA2 via text/email!!!
July 30, 2011: Received NOA2 hardcopy in mail
August 8, 2011: NVC received file
September 1, 2011: NVC case number assigned
September 2, 2011: AOS invoice received, OPTIN email for EP sent
September 7, 2011: Paid AOS bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 9, 2011)
September 8, 2011: OPTIN email accepted, GZO number assigned
September 10, 2011: Emailed AOS package
September 12, 2011: IV bill invoiced
September 13, 2011: Paid IV bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 14, 2011)
September 14, 2011: Emailed IV package
October 3, 2011: Emailed checklist response (checklist generated due to typo on Form DS-230)
October 6, 2011: Case complete at NVC
November 10, 2011: Interview - APPROVED!!!
December 7, 2011: POE - Sea-Tac Airport

September 17, 2013: Mailed I-751 to CSC

September 23, 2013: Received NOA1 in mail (receipt date September 19th)

October 16, 2013: Biometrics Appointment

January 28, 2014: Production of new Green Card ordered

February 3, 2014: New Green Card received; done with USCIS until fall of 2023*

December 18, 2023:  Filed I-90 to renew Green Card

December 21, 2023:  Production of new Green Card ordered - will be seeing USCIS again every 10 years for renewal

 

 
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