Does filing online makes for a quicker process?

[OnAJourney 3]

Hi All,

 

I had originally sent in Form I-130 in paper form but it was sent back due to the form being expired - which was strange as that's the form I got online from USCIS website. Anyhow, as I was about to send it back in again, I read that we could now file online instead. I've done that instead, including uploading of all required documents. My question is, does filing online make for a quicker process or it's still going to take the same amount of time? 

 

Also, can I go ahead and upload documents that I know they will require later on? For example Affidavit of Support (I-864), tax returns/transcripts, etc. If I do it now, that should cut down the some time I think. 

 

Has anyone else here filed the petition online? Also, when filing online - which service center does the case go to? 

Edited November 18, 2019 by OnAJourney

[user555 196]

That's neat. About 2 weeks ago they opened up online filing. I wish I had that earlier this year. Had to pay $40 for all the paperwork to be sent snail mail. It won't make it faster. Look at the processing times for each service center. https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ You won't be able to submit the Affidavit of Support (I-864), tax returns/transcripts, etc. here because that's NVC's department. You've still got 5-8 months of waiting time before NVC needs that and it is a different website. 

Edited November 18, 2019 by user555
update

[Deagle 508]

Look at it this way: There is a concert but there is an unbelievably long line. People are coming with cars and there is a fast train. The only benefit of taking the train is that you will get in line faster to buy a ticket, but you will not get in any faster. 

 

Or you can sum it up by "hurry up and wait".

Edited November 18, 2019 by Deagle

[OnAJourney 3]

2 minutes ago, user555 said:

That's neat. 10 days ago they opened up online filing. I wish I had that earlier this year. Had to pay $40 for all the paperwork to be sent snail mail. It won't make it faster. Look at the processing times for each service center. https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ You won't be able to submit the Affidavit of Support (I-864), tax returns/transcripts, etc. here because that's NVC's department. You've still got 5-8 months of waiting time before NVC needs that and it is a different website. 

Believe me I know because I too spent over $50 the first time around as I like i get signatures on delivery. 

 

Well I don't know which center it went to because when you submit online, it doesn't tell you. I was able to upload the Tax returns/transcripts under the "other" category. The reason why I did that is because a friend of mine had submitted for her spouse and she submitted everything right at the beginning so after her first NOI, her husband received the interview date. It took away couple of months of USCIS/NVC requesting financial documents, etc and reviewing. 

 

Also, for anyone who maybe wondering - filing online is much quicker because as you fill your information out, it helps to narrow down to only the required fields for you whereas on the paper, you either need to put N/A or have to leave it blank hoping it doesn't get rejected. 

[OnAJourney 3]

3 minutes ago, Deagle said:

Look at it this way: There is a concert but there is an unbelievably long line. People are coming with cars and there is a fast train. The only benefit of taking the train is that you will get in line faster to buy a ticket, but you will not get in any faster. 

 

Or you can sum it up by "hurry up and wait".

LOL! My sister had gone through this whole process with her husband 5 years ago. I'm so glad I don't have to live through her misery because she is now so well versed in this whole process. She's since helped many family and friends with their filings. 

[user555 196]

27 minutes ago, OnAJourney said:

Believe me I know because I too spent over $50 the first time around as I like i get signatures on delivery. 

 

Well I don't know which center it went to because when you submit online, it doesn't tell you. I was able to upload the Tax returns/transcripts under the "other" category. The reason why I did that is because a friend of mine had submitted for her spouse and she submitted everything right at the beginning so after her first NOI, her husband received the interview date. It took away couple of months of USCIS/NVC requesting financial documents, etc and reviewing. 

 

Also, for anyone who maybe wondering - filing online is much quicker because as you fill your information out, it helps to narrow down to only the required fields for you whereas on the paper, you either need to put N/A or have to leave it blank hoping it doesn't get rejected. 

So they imported everything into CEAC from USCIS with no issues? 

[OnAJourney 3]

2 hours ago, user555 said:

So they imported everything into CEAC from USCIS with no issues? 

Seems that way. Didn't get any errors, current status said benefit was accept and under review - as expected. 

 

Plus the beneficiary does not need to sign I-130A if they're out of the country so you basically upload that form (which it tells you at one of the steps that that needs to be filled out - gives you the link to download the form) without signature. 

 

I found the online filing seamless!  

[pushbrk 12,821]

You'll save a few days.  Mailing time, plust the time it takes the lockbox/intake facility to convert your paper filing to electronic.  THEN, your wait will be the same as somebody whose paper file was converted that same day.

[OnAJourney 3]

17 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

You'll save a few days.  Mailing time, plust the time it takes the lockbox/intake facility to convert your paper filing to electronic.  THEN, your wait will be the same as somebody whose paper file was converted that same day.

Any idea which center the online filings go to? 

[LilyJ 1,258]

5 minutes ago, OnAJourney said:

Any idea which center the online filings go to? 

Whichever center USCIS decides to send it to, which is a tossup pretty much

[shefellfromheaven 18]

I’ve filled online too ( form I-130) . I’m still waiting for NOAs( not sure when I’ll it) 

Edited November 19, 2019 by shefellfromheaven

[user555 196]

6 hours ago, OnAJourney said:

Seems that way. Didn't get any errors, current status said benefit was accept and under review - as expected. 

I found the online filing seamless!  

So have  you made it to the NVC stage? There are more forms and fees at https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/ 

[SalishSea 17,751]

4 hours ago, OnAJourney said:

Any idea which center the online filings go to? 

Luck of the draw.  Just like when a petition is sent to the lockbox.

[OnAJourney 3]

On 11/18/2019 at 10:31 PM, Jorgedig said:

Luck of the draw.  Just like when a petition is sent to the lockbox.

Lockbox addresses are based on the State petitioner lives in. So in that case, you know exactly which service center your case is at. From there, if they transfer the cases for various reasons - that's a different story and they do inform you about it. 

 

Online filing is not specific to any specific location. 

[MJY 13]

Few questions?

 

Regarding the passport photo, how did you guys submit it online?  

 

Also, can we pay via cc the 535 usd fee?