Filing for a spousal visa

[Julija 6]

I`m staying with my fiancé on ESTA, we`re getting married this month, and I`m going back to Europe on the 16th of October. We`re filing for an IR1/CR1, what I`m curious about is; how long does the process take, about how much it is going to cost, and if I can still visit on my ESTA while the I-130 is active. 

[Crazy Cat 41,886]

Currently, the CR-1 process is about 12-14 months from filing to visa in hand.  You are allowed to visit during the process, but every entry into the US is subject to discretion of CBP.  Be prepared to show evidence that you will return to your country after the visit.  Do not overstay your I-94.  Doing so would result in permanent loss of ESTA.  Good luck!!

[Dashinka 24,512]

Last I heard spousal visas typically take 12-14 months.  It will be $535 for the I130, then $230 for the DS260 and a fee for the medical exam and vaccines.  Yes, you can visit during the process.

 

Good Luck!

[Shafiq 2]

16 hours ago, Bill & Katya said:

Last I heard spousal visas typically take 12-14 months.  It will be $535 for the I130, then $230 for the DS260 and a fee for the medical exam and vaccines.  Yes, you can visit during the process.

 

Good Luck!

How do you know we can visit?
Some people say its too risky, some say its ok.. how do we know?

[Dashinka 24,512]

15 minutes ago, Shafiq said:

How do you know we can visit?
Some people say its too risky, some say its ok.. how do we know?

If someone has a valid travel document (ESTA/B2) they can attempt to visit.  In reality, no one knows if they will get in, as entry is up to the CBP officer you meet.  If anyone feels it is too risky, then they probably should not risk it, but there are many that do it on a regular basis using either ESTA, or a B2.  It is usually suggested that when requesting entry, a person visiting bring evidence that they will be returning at the end of that visit.  It is also suggested to not abuse the privilege of having ESTA/B2, coming for an extended period, leaving, and then coming back a short time later.  In the end, these are all just rules of thumb, and the CBP officers have the final say. 

[Unlockable 7,314]

44 minutes ago, Shafiq said:

How do you know we can visit?
Some people say its too risky, some say its ok.. how do we know?

Because there is a HUGE thread (over 200 replies) that has been going on for years discussing it with hundreds of people being successful visiting while going through the process. Members here on VJ are your actual proof that you can visit. And you can read their stories or even contact them to ask about their experience.

 

See below...

 

 

 

[Just Paul 4,595]

8 hours ago, Shafiq said:

How do you know we can visit?
Some people say its too risky, some say its ok.. how do we know?

 I suggest you fill out the country in your profile and complete the timeline that can be accessed by click on your username on the top eight hand of the page and selecting timelines.

 

Then we can help you better.