how to file at Chicago lockbox?

[Jen198 0]

Hi Everybody,

I am a USC and my husband is Israeli, we both live and have always lived in Israel.

I have a few questions regarding recent changes on filing form I-130 at the Chicago lockbox instead of doing it at our country ( which does not have a USCIS office ).

1. How to pay the $420 fee for form I-130 ? USCIS site mentiones that a check/money transfer should be made from within the us by an american bank but I do not have an account in america. however my local bank can issue a us dollar check that could be cashed by the USCIS. would that be applicable ?

2. to my understanding the process would be slower now that we will be filing at the lockbox, however i did see a few posts mentioning that it would be possible to move to the US while the I-130 is approved but the visa is pending, is that correct ? can my husband get a work permit before getting his visa approved ?

does anyone have any idea as to how long it might take now ? ( it use to take only 3 months filing localy ).

All posts will be much appreciated.

Thank you, Dafni.

Edited September 11, 2011 by dafni

[Inky 1,111]

Only the USC can move back to the US during the process, the intending immigrant cannot move to the USA without the visa.

[Done--Really 331]

No moving to the US before the visa is granted, so obviously no work permit. Right now it is taking about 8 - 10 months for the entire process, but that changes almost daily--in both directions.

You will have to find a way to draw the funds on a US institution--bank, credit union, post office, Western Union, etc--better call a friend in the US to get some help. But you have a bigger issue--you have to prove either US domicile or strong, committed intentions to reestablish US domicile--without it, you will be stuck until you can establish it.

Edited September 11, 2011 by magical

[Jen198 0]

Thanks guys,

Magical, what do you mean prove US domicile ? obviously I wish to relocate myself so it should only make sense that I still dont have a house there right ?

[Inky 1,111]

Thanks guys,

Magical, what do you mean prove US domicile ? obviously I wish to relocate myself so it should only make sense that I still dont have a house there right ?

A house or apartment under the USC name is one of the top things they look for when a USC is trying to prove domicile in the USA. Other things are a job, a bank account, paying taxes, utility bills etc.