Probably another stupid I-130 question- London DCF

[humphreythehat 0]

Hi,

I'm a Brit married to a US national, and we both currently reside in the UK. We have just filed our I-130 (at the London embassy) with the intention of moving to the states as soon as time allows.

We received an acknowledgement which told us the total processing time for the I-130 would be 4-6 weeks, which I understand is pretty good. The letter even advised us not to apply for a K3, as that would actually be slower!

Anyway, having done some reading on this site (and others), if I understand correctly our petition will be forwarded to the NVC, who will then spend some time processing again before reaching out to us for further documents/interviews.

My questions are:

- How does the I-485 fit in to this? My original understanding was that after our I-130 was 'approved', we would then have to file this -- is this something the NVC will ask us to send them, or is it separate?

- What are people's experiences waiting for the contact from NVC following I-130 approval?

Hope that's all clear, and thank you in advance!

[Penguin_ie 5,984]

***** Moving from CR-1 spousal visa to DCF forum for better answers *****

When you file directly with the embassy (DCF= Direct Consular Filing), you bypass the NVC. That is one of the reasons it is so much faster.

You do not file the I-485; that is for Adjusting Status inside the USA, but you will need a visa which will lead to a greencard.

[SarahandTom11412 0]

Hi there,

I'm about 4 1/2 weeks into the 4-6 week wait for the I-130 approval (DCF London). The process goes as this:

1) US Petitioner mails i-130 packet to London US Embassy
2) Wait to receive a letter from the Embassy stating they've received the application (NOA 1)
3) Order beneficiary's (spouse's) police certificate
4) Obtain beneficiary's (spouse's) vaccination record and get any additional vaccines needed for the US
3) Wait to receive another letter stating they've approved the application and it's being forwarded to the Immigrant Visa Unit (in London at the US Embassy). (NOA 2)

4) Wait to receive another letter from the IVU with the LND number needed to arrange the medical exam and fill out the DS 260 online. (NOA 3)
4) Schedule the medical exam for beneficiary and attend.
5) Submit notice of readiness (online) to get your Interview date assigned.

6) Attend interview and hopefully get your visa!

All in all it takes anywhere from 4-6 months to complete.

Here's my timeline so far:

09 March 2015: I-130 Petition for Tom mailed to US Embassy London
10 March 2015 I-130 delivered to US Embassy
13 March 2015: I-130 received, processed, and payment taken (NOA1 dated March 11)
26 March 2015: Mailed ACRO for police certificate
14 April 2015: Received ACRO in post

If you want to know anything else, just ask!

Sarah

[SarahandTom11412 0]

Sorry my numbers are so...weird LOL...I adapted from the one I wrote for myself and forgot to change. Also, I wanted to add after you get your visa you have to pay an immigrant fee for the processing of your green card (have to do before you come to the US). It's $165.

[humphreythehat 0]

Great, thank you both! This answers a lot of my questions :-) Good luck Sarah and Tom!

[lost_at_sea 995]

I wrote a guide for this: http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/DCF_London

[humphreythehat 0]

Thanks lost_at_sea, that's great

[SarahandTom11412 0]

Thank you!! Good luck to you too If you have any questions or anything just ask!