The Process

I wanted to run past people what I'm doing as my nearly 10 month old barely sleeps during the day, so I am having trouble finding quality time to read everything.  I have done, but want to make sure in my sleep-deprived haze, that I'm not doing something wrong.

So, we've received our approval for the I-130 and are now in the process of doing the paperwork.  My understanding is that I need to do the following.

Step 1:  Send in the biographical data form we received with the packet - like today!

Step 2:  Gather all the paperwork and once we have it, send in the checklist and applicant's statement whenevery we have it, not waiting back for a response re-Step 1.

Step 3:  Wait to hear back and then schedule an interview.

I think I've got it right, but before I send in the bio form, I wanted to make sure I'm not missing something.

Thanks!

You need to send the DS-230 but you will not hear anything from that step.  The next time  you will hear from the embassy is when you send the checklist and statement and this will be with an interview date.  The interview date will not be issued until the embassy has the checklist.  Don't forget about the medical.

June

We just started the process last week.  On average, how long does it take to get a green card, six months?

Isn't it about 4 here in the UK if you're doing DCF?

Isn't it about 4 here in the UK if you're doing DCF?

Yes currently it seems like its about 4 months. I began the process at the end of April and we have our Embassy appointment at the end of August.

We just started the process last week.  On average, how long does it take to get a green card, six months?

Just to clarify, the applicant does NOT get a green card here, only a visa.  The the permanent resident status commences upon entry into the US.  Once in the US, the green card arrives by mail.

I sent my I-130 in March 28th  and our interview date (which SHOULD be the last step) is on August 9th.  It seems most people's process take 4-5 months if you are allowed to DCF.  If you have to file in the US then it can take up to a year.

June

anyone know how long you have from getting that visa and actually moving to the US? DH is thinking we could do the process THEN start the job search for him since it would be easier for him to get a job when he already has that ability to work in the US as it is much more attractive for potential employers to not have to wait 4-6mts to have someone start from the hiring point. He doesn't want to wait til we are there b/c he has contacts over here that can help him get jobs over there, making it a more secure decision for us without having to worry about how long the job search would take.

thanks!

Your husband would have six months to enter the US after he has received the visa in his passport.

anyone know how long you have from getting that visa and actually moving to the US? DH is thinking we could do the process THEN start the job search for him since it would be easier for him to get a job when he already has that ability to work in the US as it is much more attractive for potential employers to not have to wait 4-6mts to have someone start from the hiring point. He doesn't want to wait til we are there b/c he has contacts over here that can help him get jobs over there, making it a more secure decision for us without having to worry about how long the job search would take.

thanks!

Pittpanther, technically and legally, your DH cannot search for a job in the US as he is not legally able to work there yet.  Putting "feelers" out and making contacts is okay, but don't make the mistake of mentioning that he already has a job at his visa interview.  Might not sit too well.  Also, once you have his visa, you have 6 months to enter and execute the visa.