Filing I-130 Petition from Outside the U.S. (Germany)

[Coffee2Go 5]

Hello,

 

I'm confused with different information on how to begin the Immigration Process, in which the first step is Filing the Petition. I currently reside in Germany and will peition my wife (German citizen) to immigrate to the U.S.

 

We don't have any special circumstances and I'm not in the U.S. military.

 

The U.S. Department of State provides this advice:  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition/filing-petitions-outside-the-us.html#ExternalPopup

Filing Routine Form I-130 Petitions

Petitioners residing outside of the United States may file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, online at https://www.uscis.gov or by mail to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox at one of the addresses below.

 

 

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Germany site provides this advice: https://de.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/family-based-immigration/immigrant-visa-petitions/

 

How to file an I-130 petition:

U.S. citizens residing in Germany must file the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, by mail with the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility. Please visit USCIS website for detail.

 

So, already, I am confused on what the appropriate start to the process is, do I mail the petition to the Dallas Lockbox or file the petition online? Which process is quicker and easier to track? Has anyone filed their petition recently that is also in a similar situation as myself?

 

Thank you,

Coffee2Go

 

 

• •  

[StrawberryKiss 170]

Hi! We’re in the same situation. Filed online in December. It’s easier and the online form takes you through all the steps and which documents are needed. Just create a USCIS account and submit the form whenever you’re ready. 
As for processing times, it’s not faster than the paper form though. 
 

edit: it’s easier to track your petition online. 

Edited May 14, 2021 by StrawberryKiss

[Coffee2Go 5]

Hi StrawberryKiss,

 

Thanks for responding, and yes then most likely that will be our approach then as well.  

 

Good luck to you!

 

Best,

Coffee2Go

[StrawberryKiss 170]

12 hours ago, Coffee2Go said:

Hi StrawberryKiss,

 

Thanks for responding, and yes then most likely that will be our approach then as well.  

 

Good luck to you!

 

Best,

Coffee2Go

Thanks! Good luck to you as well  

 

Edited May 15, 2021 by Ryan H
Reason for edit: to remove quote of removed content.

[Coffee2Go 5]

I have 2 follow up questions then:

 

1. Filling out and submitting the USCIS Petition Form I-130 online also includes Form I-130A? It seems like they are 2 separate forms, and there isn't anything specifically stated on the USCIS site that includes the I-130A form is included online.

 

2. Is it possible to include a Cover Letter as it is suggest in the IR1 Guide here on VJ? If not, then how can I best articulate the beginning of my relationship?

 

Thank you,

Coffee2Go

[Chancy 6,243]

8 minutes ago, Coffee2Go said:

1. Filling out and submitting the USCIS Petition Form I-130 online also includes Form I-130A? It seems like they are 2 separate forms, and there isn't anything specifically stated on the USCIS site that includes the I-130A form is included online.

 

Download the I-130A form from USCIS.  Fill out using a PDF editor.  Or print, hand-write, scan.  Upload the resulting PDF file in the appropriate section of the I-130 online form.  I can't recall exactly, but I think it's under Additional Evidence.

 

13 minutes ago, Coffee2Go said:

2. Is it possible to include a Cover Letter as it is suggest in the IR1 Guide here on VJ? If not, then how can I best articulate the beginning of my relationship?

 

Include your cover letter in your PDF file for evidence of bona fide marriage.  Upload the bona fide evidence PDF in the section for additional evidence.

 

[Coffee2Go 5]

Thank you, Chancy. I appreciate the quick feedback.

 

[StrawberryKiss 170]

Yes, what Chancy said. You can upload both PDF files in the additional evidence section at the end. Form I-130A doesn’t have to be signed by your wife since she’s outside of the US.

[Ryan H 3,834]

~~~Hijack post along with reply to said post removed.~~~