1)
I'm wanting to get up to speed on given terms and understand what is being discussed better.
Sometimes I see "petition fee" referred to. Is this I-130?
Therefore, is "application fee" to mean I-129F?


2)
I live in Washington State. Do I list CSC as my service center for my I-130 timeline?
NSC doesn't list I-130 or I-129F but per section 10 of instructions I will send my I-130 to NSC.


3)
I haven't come across when or how to pay to keep BOTH the I-129F and I-130 processing. I read here that I can pay $200 to do so.
Will it be in my snail mailed NOA2 instructions, or a notice of some kind? What can I expect for direction and timing?
I never got an NOA2 previously, not by mail or email.

If you haven't filed yet, you clearly indicate on the I-130 that you want Consular processing of your I-130 instead of adjusting status in the US. Also put this in your cover letter. We have no history of anybody doing this successfully, (or not) so I suggest you make it as clear as possible. Maybe write "Consular Processing Please" in big red letters on every page of the actual I-130.

Beginning July 30 there is no fee for the I-129F but the I-130 fee increases. The two fees or the one fee end up $5.00 apart so there's no reason to wait to file if you're ready.

Thanks pushbrk!

I assume by 'consular filing' you don't mean DCF, but that I can submit (now both) forms there in Bangkok. Do I understand correctly?

I don't live in Thailand so a DCF isn't possible, no?

Keeping both a spouse visa petition and the I-130 petition going simultaneously is what I'm thinking is best, and not allowing them to let one sit dormant as the other processes.

"Consular filing" isn't a term I've ever seen used. I said "consular processing". It means the same as "Consular Adjudication". If you want to be perfectly clear, just say "My wife wants to interview for an immigrant visa in Bangkok." "Will not adjust status in US."

DO NOT FILE THE 129-F !!!!

In order to proceed with th I-130, you will have to submit an application to restart the I-130, which costs $200 (I forget the file number of the top of my head) This is a totally unknown amount of time, but it will be up to the CSC to restart it. I have asked this question here, and people have generally no idea how long this happens in. CSC and the USCIS have been particularly busy, so wait times are astronomical. It could take you 6 months just to restart you I-130.

That is along with the $200, and the fee to travel outside of the US.

I expect the length of time will be quite similar with regard to bringing your wife here.

The total cost will be $1K + higher to go with the I129F and the I-130. This is an idea I've been floating around myself, as the costs to AOS in the US are rising to over $1000 alone. I was thinking it would be similar or even cheaper to do the I-130. But the length of time to restart the application was the killer for me.

So is the best option to file ONLY the I-130 and ask fro consular processing ?

She doesn't need to work after getting here, and we just want to be reunited the quickest way possible. I'm not rich but would be willing to pay the extra to make this happen quicker. I don't want to screw this up and can't find much info on the $200 form (or whatever?) to decide.

Also,

Is this for my fiance's early release? Or does "fee" refer to my airfare? We don't need to travel, just be together.