Things to speed up process

[ChrisDaye96 0]

Hey guys!

 

I was scrolling through this thread and noticed someone mention they didn't realize they could get a criminal record check while waiting for their NOA.

 

My wife (petitioner) sent off the i-130 yesterday and I'm wondering what I can do right now to always be a step ahead of the game. Can I get biometrics on my own? Can I print off the papers we'll get In the future and fill them out now? What are some things you guys have collectively gathered that you wish you knew before that would speed things up? 

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

Study the next steps of the process.  I wouldn't start filling out the I-864 yet.  A lot can change in the next year.....Make sure you know the process well (especially the I-864) before doing ANYTHING else.

 

See What Happens After You Mail the I-130 Out? in the guide below:

 

 

Edited September 30, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[JeanneAdil 6,498]

One of the things i noticed is people wait for the medical exam and then find out there is a spot on lungs which needs treatment taking the case into AP and further testing

 

It wouldn't hurt to get a medical done now so u know if there is a treatable condition (not medical for visa as u need that closer to interview)

Get the 2023 tax returns done ASAP so you are not  waiting on IRS especially if the case is spouse visa and u intend to file MFJ to get ITIN\

 

During next few months check cost to add her to health care insurance or puchase a plan plus a supplemental / so u aren't blindsided

 

Biggest thing really is Have patience ' don't think daily about immigration and keep each other encouraged 

 

Check the total cost of the visa thru to the 10 year green card

Edited September 30, 2023 by JeanneAdil

[Boiler 45,486]

You probably have a year to understand the process, an hours research will get most of it down.

 

Now there are Consulate specific issues as well.

[SalishSea 17,827]

4 hours ago, ChrisDaye96 said:

Hey guys!

 

I was scrolling through this thread and noticed someone mention they didn't realize they could get a criminal record check while waiting for their NOA.

 

My wife (petitioner) sent off the i-130 yesterday and I'm wondering what I can do right now to always be a step ahead of the game. Can I get biometrics on my own? Can I print off the papers we'll get In the future and fill them out now? What are some things you guys have collectively gathered that you wish you knew before that would speed things up? 

There is nothing that I’m aware of that will speed up the process.   Obtaining criminal records  too early just means they will be outdated when you eventually need them.

 

You can’t just randomly go get biometrics.

[SalishSea 17,827]

3 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

One of the things i noticed is people wait for the medical exam and then find out there is a spot on lungs which needs treatment taking the case into AP and further testing

 

It wouldn't hurt to get a medical done now so u know if there is a treatable condition (not medical for visa as u need that closer to interview)

Get the 2023 tax returns done ASAP so you are not  waiting on IRS especially if the case is spouse visa and u intend to file MFJ to get ITIN\

 

During next few months check cost to add her to health care insurance or puchase a plan plus a supplemental / so u aren't blindsided

 

Biggest thing really is Have patience ' don't think daily about immigration and keep each other encouraged 

 

Check the total cost of the visa thru to the 10 year green card

Just to clarify for OP-  any medical exam you voluntarily get now will not be accepted for immigration purposes.   You cannot get an immigration exam  until your case is at the consulate.   
 

The 2023 taxes will be due long before you need the transcript.

[pushbrk 12,881]

The only police report to get now would be from a country you lived in before, but have not and will not return to.  Police reports are good for two years now, but I would wait at least 8 months from the I-130 filing date to get the one from your current country of residence.  Remember also that the timing of the NVC portion is still in the control of the petitioner, as they are the ones to pay the fees and deal with the affidavit of support.

[JeanneAdil 6,498]

14 hours ago, SalishSea said:

Just to clarify for OP-  any medical exam you voluntarily get now will not be accepted for immigration purposes.   You cannot get an immigration exam  until your case is at the consulate.   
 

The 2023 taxes will be due long before you need the transcript.

As i said a medical is not for immigration  (not medical for visa as u need that closer to interview) but to know if the person needs medical care to get a visa.  We had a member who found out they had a TB and needed treatment when going to medical and they waited months in AP while getting treatment and new medical clearance and interview when a medical aforehand could have prevented this.

 

and getting a ITIN takes longer so i say do 2023 taxes ASAP so those tax returns are done

 

The above items are precautions  /  can't speed up the USCIS or NVC steps but can prevent people from waiting for IRS to complete returns ,etc

[pushbrk 12,881]

9 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

As i said a medical is not for immigration  (not medical for visa as u need that closer to interview) but to know if the person needs medical care to get a visa.  We had a member who found out they had a TB and needed treatment when going to medical and they waited months in AP while getting treatment and new medical clearance and interview when a medical aforehand could have prevented this.

 

and getting a ITIN takes longer so i say do 2023 taxes ASAP so those tax returns are done

 

The above items are precautions  /  can't speed up the USCIS or NVC steps but can prevent people from waiting for IRS to complete returns ,etc

For example, with the instance of TB being high in the Philippines, I advice getting at least a skin test a few months prior to the interview, so you can be pro-active if it's positive.

 

[Boiler 45,486]

They may have improved the skin test, when I had it done unknowingly it did not differentiate those who had been vaccinated.