I-130

We have sent our I-130 to the Embassy on May 3rd, the payment was taken out of our account on the 13th of May.  What is the standard time from the time you turn in your I-130 to the time you get your checklist?

I have called the Embassy and they said it could take up to 3 months.  I thought it could take maybe 4 wks but no more than that. 

Maybe I am just too anxious.  The waiting part is the hardest.

MelanieB

Did you send in anything else with the I-130?

We had sent w/ the I-130 the following:

 G-325 (Biographical information) x 4 x 2
A copy of my birth certificate
A copy of our marriage certificate
2 holiday snaps of us "together" ;0) - ok, ok, 2 ADIT photos - 1 of you, 1
of me.

Thanks,

MelanieB

Did you include the DS230? We sent everything that you mentioned plus the DS230 on January 12. My credit card was charged the fee on January 16th. We received the Notice of Approval of Petition on January 26th. Our final packet was received the first part of March (can’t remember the date) with an interview appointment for April 5th. Check out this link:

http://www.talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=2392.60

Tons to read – but great info.

Keep us posted!

Mel, The DS230 that Missy is on about doesnt get sent with the I-130 (dont worry!) but it can go at the same time if you want (slightly different address), along with that check list. Speeds the whole process up bunches.

We haven't recieved the checklist yet.  That is what we are waiting on.  How long does that take?  It has been a month since we first sent in the first lot of paperwork.

Mel

Jemima is right - you dont have to wait Mel. In fact - DONT wait, theres no need.

The US Embassy website says this: "Note: It is possible to begin the administrative processing of an immediate relative application before the USCIS approves the petition. Therefore, if you reside in the United Kingdom and are applying for the immigrant visa at this Embassy, you may download the forms from this site. The forms should be completed and returned to the Immigrant Visa Branch as soon as possible. Failure to return the forms promptly will delay the processing of the visa application. " Source - http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_web/visa/iv/immrel.htm

To get the forms and info for Immigrant Visa Application processing (DS230 and checklist) go here: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_web/visa/iv/ivprocess.htm

Form DS-230 (pdf)
Form DS-2001 Checklist (pdf)
Form I-864 Affidavit of Support (pdf)

If you havent sent in the DS-230 - DO. Send in the checklist at the same time.

If you have sent in the DS-230 - you could have sent in the checklist with the original application. Dont wait for it - download it, make sure you've got what you need, and send it off. You'll have a month at least after sending the checklist in to assemble your Affidavit so just mark that as ready on your checklist so that they will put you in line for an interview.

Btw, Sara's DCF Timeline (see first few posts in this forum) is VERY good if you havent looked at it. I think it explains what you should do and when very well.

Thanks everyone.  That gives us a pretty good insight.

Mel

Hi Everyone,

We are going to download the DS230 tonight and fill them out. Hubby wants to know:

Do we need a case number/ref. number from the embassy?

Mel

When the embassy send you the notice of approval letter that should have your case number on it, you will need it if you ever want to call the embassy about any problems with your application or stuff like that.

Kingbeast,

Will we need it to file the DS-230?

Mel

No.

Some people sned the DS-230 with their I-130 ie the first set of documents you send. I didnt realise this and sent the DS-230 after i had received my notice of approval I think. You do need to send the DS-230 though, as far as I know...

You do need to file the Ds-230 - but you DONT need a case number on it if you don't have one - they'll figure it out. Take a look at the time line I posted at the top of this Board.

Thats right. You DONT need a case ref  to send in your DS230. Leave the space blank and Just pop in a cover letter to say that you've also sent in your I-130. They'll then know to look for it and hook the two together. No biggie.