I-130 sent. NOA received, no touches? Now what?

[Moosker 7]

Well the day finally came when we mailed the entire I-130 package away! What a relief! My husband received a NOA in the U.S. where he lives stating they received payment, and obviously we received a number starting with letters "EAC" to track our case online. Is this "NOA" the NOA1 we're looking for? Yikes, what's the difference? It doesn't tell us to do anything, just says "hey thanks we got your package & payment...."

So now what?

We only sent in the I-130 along with the G-325A's. I feel like we're missing something. When do we mail in the I-129f and what is that used for anyways? or DO we mail the I-129f? I'm looking to start working when I move there...if that helps out any....

Still no 'touches' on our application either, and April 29th our NOA was received. Should I be worried?

Sorry for the rambles, just hoping this will all be over by October...

Thanks guys! So glad we did this on our own, I've had friends with major lawyer issues! This VJ family is awesome!

P.S. what is the process of visiting the U.S. from Canada when the I-130 is pending anyways?

[MrsCat 6]

Hi,

The NOA you received sounds like your NOA-1. This means that USCIS has received your package - and you're entered into their system for adjudication. You should have a receipt # with your NOA-1 - which is your EAC #. You can enter this # into the USCIS case processing page to track if any work is being done on your application. Typically this is just an infuriating endeavor - since it will seem like nothing is happening for months.

Typically within 6 months of your NOA-1 you case should be completed with USCIS. We all hope for sooner - but its seems like 6 months is the going rate right now.

Once your case is completed with USCIS - your file will be transfered to the National Visa Center (NVC) - for their end of the process. They will arrange a time for an interview, request particular documents and request you attend a medical exam.

Sounds like you're deciding between a K-3 visa and IR-1/CR-1 Visa. If you want to be able to work immediately once your file is complete then you may want to pursue the CR-1 visa route. This ensures that you have the ability to work immediately. With the K-3 route - you may enter the US, however you have to wait some time before you get work authorization. There is a trade-off between the two visas, the CR-1 is a little longer but you can work, the K-3 is generally quicker but you can't work.

As for visiting Canada - typically - Canadians do not have a hard time visiting their loved ones in the US. It all depends on the Port of Entry (POE). They may request information showing that you have an intent to return home to Canada (mortgage, rent, kids, job . . . . ). When you plan a trip with your application not completed, ensure that you have documentation showing an intent to return to Canada. Pack light

And of course - please visit us in the Canadian Forum.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showforum=93

PS: I believe you also needed to include documentation showing a valid/existing relationship (ex: photos, ticket stubs, marriage license to USCIS with your application)

Edited June 6, 2008 by cattattude

[MrsCat 6]

You can find the explanation between the two types of visas here, and what to do with the I-129f if you want to do the K3 Visa:

K3 - http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k3guide

CR-1 - http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...page=i130guide1