michela

Update: DO NOT DO THIS. Apparently even withdrawing it doesn't make a difference I am upset (and feel very stupid) for having done this. I tried it, here's the reply I got: Your request has been reviewed by the Department of State and unfortunately, we cannot accept your request to file your petition in X. USCIS does not authorize the Department of State to accept a local filing abroad if the petitioner has already filed a Form I-130 domestically for the same beneficiary. If exigent circumstances exist, the petitioner should request expedited processing for an electronic or domestically-filed petition.

Does anyone know if there is a facility for submitting the I-130 via post or must it be done by the US citizen spouse in person at the Embassy? My new job wants me to start very quickly - worried that I may need to fly to the US before I can submit the I-130 (worst case scenario, I fly back for the appointment but obviously that's a huge expense). Thanks in advance.

I was in a similar situation and from my reading my understanding is that you have to withdraw the petition filed with USCIS in the US and then apply for exceptional circumstances in the UK for DCF. Therefore if the exceptional circumstances is refused, you have to start again from 0 with the I-130 with the USCIS in the US. So it's quite the risk if you've filed a while ago.