After I-130 approved?

[appleblossom 2,546]

Just now, Technicalglitch said:

 

How do we find that out?  We are in Las Vegas.  The Phoenix office gives 13.5 months processing for 80% of cases.

 

If you're in Las Vegas then that'll be your Field Office I assume, but check on the link above. 

[Technicalglitch 2]

If we switch to Consular processing, can we continue to visit the USA during the process?  That might work better for us with I-485 processing being so slow, although advance parole would work too I guess.

[Crazy Cat 41,885]

Just now, Technicalglitch said:

If we switch to Consular processing, can we continue to visit the USA during the process?

Yes....at the discretion of CBP at the border.

[Technicalglitch 2]

Just now, Crazy Cat said:

Yes....at the discretion of CBP at the border.

Are we supposed to tell them about the spousal immigration application being in progress without being asked when we cross the border?  We haven't mentioned it on previous crossings (have crossed border 6 times since first applying), and they haven't asked us.  Or just if they ask us?

[apond 39]

18 minutes ago, Technicalglitch said:

 

How long does the I-485 adjustment of status take?  We just worry about leaving our house there vacant for an extended period.  Husband's family is all in the US and I have no kids, the rest of my family can come visit me if they miss me, ha!

ours was 21 months from filing the 485. 

[Technicalglitch 2]

Does anyone know how long Consular processing takes compared to the I-485?  (We're coming from Canada).

[pushbrk 12,894]

The critical timeline for Adjusting status it the time it takes for Advance Parole, and EAD, which is more like six months.  With those, he would be able to work and be re-admitted to the USA until the I-485 is processed.  You are in this situation because you didn't do  your homework the first time.  Be sure you do it now, before making further decisions.  You've come to the right place for help, but YOU must do the homework yourself.

[Technicalglitch 2]

3 hours ago, pushbrk said:

The critical timeline for Adjusting status it the time it takes for Advance Parole, and EAD, which is more like six months.  With those, he would be able to work and be re-admitted to the USA until the I-485 is processed.  You are in this situation because you didn't do  your homework the first time.  Be sure you do it now, before making further decisions.  You've come to the right place for help, but YOU must do the homework yourself.

 

Luckily I won't need the EAD this time, I took early retirement (I may work again in the future but it's no rush).  What we are thinking right now is that we will stay on the I-485 route, cancel our return to Canada for now and apply for the Advance Parole so that we can make trips home to Canada at some point while the I-485 is pending, since it's a 17 month wait supposedly in Vegas. 

 

If anyone sees flaws in that plan please let me know, we are all ears, and very much appreciate all the advice and tips we are getting here.

 

It sucks that applying for advance parole is over $600 now.  It was free when I had to request it for work reasons while on the K-3 10 years ago.

[OldUser 6,694]

8 minutes ago, Technicalglitch said:

 

Luckily I won't need the EAD this time, I took early retirement (I may work again in the future but it's no rush). 

Don't forget EAD may be needed to get or renew driver's license (or state ID) or open bank account etc. It's not just for employment. It's another form of ID after all showing your status. Some applicants get EAD for toddlers, who won't work for a long time

Edited 18 hours ago by OldUser

[pushbrk 12,894]

1 hour ago, OldUser said:

Don't forget EAD may be needed to get or renew driver's license (or state ID) or open bank account etc. It's not just for employment. It's another form of ID after all showing your status. Some applicants get EAD for toddlers, who won't work for a long time

Applying for EAD is free, and you get a photo ID for EAD that also documents your Advance parole.  My advice is to apply for it.  Again, there is no fee with you do it all together.

[OldUser 6,694]

39 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

Applying for EAD is free, and you get a photo ID for EAD that also documents your Advance parole.  My advice is to apply for it.  Again, there is no fee with you do it all together.

Sadly it's no longer free with I-485.

Neither I-131 is free...

Both require hefty fees since April 2024.

[Technicalglitch 2]

12 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Sadly it's no longer free with I-485.

Neither I-131 is free...

Both require hefty fees since April 2024.

 

That's what my husband is saying ... but good points that Pushbrk and OldUser made that it's used for other things too, I didn't realize that.  We'll look into it.  It's only money I guess, what's a few hundred here and there (yikes!).

[built2expire 12]

12 hours ago, Technicalglitch said:

If we switch to Consular processing, can we continue to visit the USA during the process?  That might work better for us with I-485 processing being so slow, although advance parole would work too I guess.

If you filed the I-130 under the assumption you’d be doing AOS and you decide to change to Consular Processing, you’ll have to file I-824 to change.

 

it costs just under $600 but can take anywhere from 2 month to 20 months depending on the Service Centre you’re allocated. 
 

I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have no other choice.