Possibility to Expedite I-130 with USCIS under National Interest Exceptions - US Citizen Nurse

[missvanfan 0]

Hello everyone!

 

I am a US Citizen and have been a Registered Nurse for nearly a decade now, but have been living in Latvia for the past 3 years with my Latvian wife... We filed an I-130 online with USCIS in the beginning of July 2021 (receipt notice sent on July 8th) and it seems that the current processing time for the Potomac Service Center is 10-16 months. Meanwhile, I'd really like to get to the US sooner than 1.5 years and return to work as a Registered Nurse, but do not want to be apart from my wife for longer than a few months.

 

Do you think I'd qualify to expedite the I-130 application with USCIS under National Interest Exceptions?

 

Please let me know if I didn't include some important information that would help you answer this question.

 

Thanks in advance for anyone's time and help!

 

All the best,

Chuck

[Just Paul 4,595]

6 minutes ago, missvanfan said:

Do you think I'd qualify to expedite the I-130 application with USCIS under National Interest Exceptions?

This applies to the beneficiary not the petitioner.   But you can ask to expedite.  The expedient way would have been to seek doing a DCF with the consulate rather than filing stateside.

[Chancy 6,241]

11 hours ago, missvanfan said:

Do you think I'd qualify to expedite the I-130 application with USCIS under National Interest Exceptions?

 

No.  As a US citizen, you may travel in and out of the US as you please.  No need for any exception.  NIE applies to non-citizens only.

 

[pushbrk 12,894]

2 hours ago, Chancy said:

 

No.  As a US citizen, you may travel in and out of the US as you please.  No need for any exception.  NIE applies to non-citizens only.

 

Correct, but just to add clarity.  The spouse visa process is for family unification, but that doesn't mean it's a priority to keep the couple together DURING the process.  The OP's reason for expedite centers on avoiding separation.  That's not grounds for expedite.

[missvanfan 0]

On 10/22/2021 at 12:14 PM, Paul & Mary said:

But you can ask to expedite.  The expedient way would have been to seek doing a DCF with the consulate rather than filing stateside.

Hello Paul & Mary,

 

Thank you very much for the reply. What is doing a "DCF with the consulate" - and is this still possible?

 

With kind regards,

Chuck

[missvanfan 0]

@Chauncey - Thank you for the direct answer and explanation of what NIE is for. @pushbrk - Thank you very much for the clarification.

 

With kind regards,

Chuck

[Just Paul 4,595]

4 minutes ago, missvanfan said:

What is doing a "DCF with the consulate" - and is this still possible?

DCF is when you ask the consulate to process the petition directly due to the petitioner meeting the listed exceptional circumstances, such as the petitioner needing to return to the US for a job.   Since you already filed stateside that isn't an option.   The only thing left is to ask USCIS, then the NVC and consulate to expedite. 

[missvanfan 0]

35 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

DCF is when you ask the consulate to process the petition directly due to the petitioner meeting the listed exceptional circumstances, such as the petitioner needing to return to the US for a job.   Since you already filed stateside that isn't an option.   The only thing left is to ask USCIS, then the NVC and consulate to expedite. 

Ah, okay - thank you very much for the explanation and information! 😊

 

All the best,

Chuck