Documentation Timeline

[Coffee2Go 5]

Hello everyone,

 

I have been navigating this site for over a year and haven't submitted even my petition yet. I am a US citizen living in Germany with my wife who is a German citizen. We would like to begin the process to petition for an immigrant visa for her but am just not sure when everything needs to be ready.

 

Is there a timeline for not just the entire process but also when to have the documentation ready to submit? For example, after I submit the I-130 petition, when will the I-864 need to be completed? I am still completing my 2021 tax return and will that delay impact the overall process? 

 

Thanks for your help!

 

[Crazy Cat 41,841]

The immediate and first question should be "Can I file DCF"?  If you qualify, a DCF filing would cut a very significant time off the processing time.  Everything would be submitted to the consulate.

[Coffee2Go 5]

Hi Crazy Cat,

 

3 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

The immediate and first question should be "Can I file DCF"?  If you qualify, a DCF filing would cut a very significant time off the processing time.  Everything would be submitted to the consulate.

Unfortunuately I do not qualify for DCF,  based on the listed options.

[Crazy Cat 41,841]

6 minutes ago, Coffee2Go said:

Hi Crazy Cat,

 

Unfortunuately I do not qualify for DCF,  based on the listed options.

Then the I-130 approval will take about 9-12 months.  Then you will submit the I-864 and other NVC documents.  Total time from start to visa in hand could be about 18 - 24 months. 

[Coffee2Go 5]

1 minute ago, Crazy Cat said:

Then the I-130 approval will take about 9-12 months.  Then you will submit the I-864 and other NVC documents.  Total time from start to visa in hand could be about 18 - 24 months. 

Thanks CC,

 

So I should just get the petition started as soon as possible and not wait around to make sure I have all the tax stuff done (last 3 years),  because in 9-12 months I will have all the information.

 

I guess that was just a hypothetical question because of just putting not starting the process for so long... I don't have a huge savings and not going with an immigration lawyer. I can only guess what that total fee would be after seeing a 30-minute initial consultation is $150. 

 

But thanks for answering so quickly.

 

Cheers!

[SalishSea 17,820]

1 hour ago, Coffee2Go said:

Thanks CC,

 

So I should just get the petition started as soon as possible and not wait around to make sure I have all the tax stuff done (last 3 years),  because in 9-12 months I will have all the information.

 

I guess that was just a hypothetical question because of just putting not starting the process for so long... I don't have a huge savings and not going with an immigration lawyer. I can only guess what that total fee would be after seeing a 30-minute initial consultation is $150. 

 

But thanks for answering so quickly.

 

Cheers!

You likely don’t need a lawyer.

 

I would just get the petition filed to get into the queue.   Like C Cat said, the overall process is taking upwards of two years.

 

You can file the petition online, btw.

[Mike E 11,739]

Does

1 hour ago, Coffee2Go said:

Hello everyone,

 

I have been navigating this site for over a year and haven't submitted even my petition yet. I am a US citizen living in Germany with my wife who is a German citizen. We would like to begin the process to petition for an immigrant visa for her but am just not sure when everything needs to be ready.

 

Is there a timeline for not just the entire process but also when to have the documentation ready to submit? For example, after I submit the I-130 petition, when will the I-864 need to be completed? I am still completing my 2021 tax return and will that delay impact the overall process? 

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Does this answer your questions?

 

 

[Coffee2Go 5]

Yes, it includes what is needed in the I-130 but doesn't include what is expected when I file a petition abroad. 

 

1 hour ago, Mike E said:

Does

Does this answer your questions?

 

 

 

[Mike E 11,739]

35 minutes ago, Coffee2Go said:

Yes, it includes what is needed in the I-130 but doesn't include what is expected when I file a petition abroad. 

 

 

Since you aren’t doing DCF the requirements are the same for filing I-130 and I-130A but you really need a stable USA mailing address that will last for the duration of the process, through visa issuance.  
 

Your beneficiary also needs a stable mailing address. Sometimes when the petitioner makes the move to the USA to satisfy I-864 requirements the beneficiary moves to downsize the residence since less space is needed.  

[Devarj 45]

Congratulations on making your first correct decision: not using a lawyer. This process is rather easy. Just ensure you answer the questions correctly and have the supporting documents. 

[Coffee2Go 5]

 

47 minutes ago, Devarj said:

Congratulations on making your first correct decision: not using a lawyer. This process is rather easy. Just ensure you answer the questions correctly and have the supporting documents. 

Thank you! I will make sure everything is included.

 

20 hours ago, Mike E said:

Since you aren’t doing DCF the requirements are the same for filing I-130 and I-130A but you really need a stable USA mailing address that will last for the duration of the process, through visa issuance.  
 

Your beneficiary also needs a stable mailing address. Sometimes when the petitioner makes the move to the USA to satisfy I-864 requirements the beneficiary moves to downsize the residence since less space is needed.  

I can ask a family member in the states if I can use their U.S. address but doesn't it make sense to use my current mailing address abroad? I have no plans to move to the U.S. before I know what the beneficiary results will bring, and if I need to get a job set up beforehand or not.  We already have a small flat, so we don't plan on moving throughout the whole process.

[Mike E 11,739]

17 minutes ago, Coffee2Go said:

 

 .

 

I can ask a family member in the states if I can use their U.S. address but doesn't it make sense to use my current mailing address abroad? I have no plans to move to the U.S. before I know what the beneficiary results will bring, and if I need to get a job set up beforehand or not.  We already have a small flat, so we don't plan on moving throughout the whole process.

Address changes with USCIS have a way of not being recorded properly.  

[Coffee2Go 5]

4 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Address changes with USCIS have a way of not being recorded properly.  

That doesn't invoke confidence... thanks for the advice.

[Jack wendell 2]

US citizens go to the end of the line behind illegals, refugees and family members.

[Mike E 11,739]

12 hours ago, Jack wendell said:

US citizens go to the end of the line behind illegals, refugees and family members.

Which line?