Processing Estimates at VJ

[reelss 4]

So, I have recently filed an I-130 for my wife and was under the impression that the process, if it all goes smoothly, should take about 6-8 months. However, I was concerned when based on my timeline, the following was estimated:

Based on timeline data, your I130 may be adjudicated between June 3, 2012 and July 20, 2012*.

I realize there is a disclaimer associated with the accuracy of the prediction, however, it still is a cause for alarm. If it indeed would take that long, I would definitely look into pursuing a K-3.

Can anyone ease my fears and please tell me what should my fair expectation be for the process to complete in an average scenario (no RFEs and APs etc)?

[mojoblue 0]

Assuming all goes well and you get no RFE (request for evidence) and do not end up in AP (administrative processing), the whole thing would be done in 6-8 months with visa in hand. You are correct. Dont worry about the estimated time line. Just start the paper work and make every effort to do things right. Type all applications rather than hand print, provide all required documents (for example, give either certified copies or originals when they ask for certified copies or originals. remember that certified copy means that if it is a birth certificate then the issuing department has to stamp it, not just a notary public, provide all English translations, do things like neatly paper clip the papers rather than staple them, send tax transcripts from IRS which are available by simply ordering them from website or via touch tone phone rather than your own copies of 1040s, make sure to give 3 years of tax data even though 1 year is required, make sure the affidavit of support is in good order with sufficient income, when in doubt about anything then google it or ask on visajourney forum rather than do it wrong and learn the hard way, etc).

If you keep these sorts of things in mind, and are fortunate enough not to get AP, then in 6 months visa will be in hand.

[mojoblue 0]

We also requested expedite via email due to civil strife. Expedite was denied but I130 was approved in a little less than 30 days anyway (vermont service center was/is moving fast).

[reelss 4]

We also requested expedite via email due to civil strife. Expedite was denied but I130 was approved in a little less than 30 days anyway (vermont service center was/is moving fast).

Thanks!

Unfortunately I am stuck with CSC which seems to be taking about 2 months longer.

[Ryan H 3,792]

I realize there is a disclaimer associated with the accuracy of the prediction, however, it still is a cause for alarm. If it indeed would take that long, I would definitely look into pursuing a K-3.

Don't bother doing that regardless. If you were to file an I-129F to start the K3 process, the I-130 that you already filed would be pulled from its current place in the queue and placed with the I-129F you will have just submitted. This is how USCIS ties the two petitions together. If you think starting the K3 process will save you time, it won't (and the I-129F will likely be administratively closed by the NVC if they receive it and the I-130 at the same time).

[Sabian 4]

The process with USCIS should take 6 to 9 months. However once your case gets to the embassy expect it to take up to 21 months.

[mojoblue 0]

The process with USCIS should take 6 to 9 months. However once your case gets to the embassy expect it to take up to 21 months.

With all due respect, Sabian, your estimate is not correct. USCIS processing will take 3 months and once it gets to the embassy, interview will be scheduled in 1 week for an interview date which will be 6 weeks from that time. If you get administrative processing then, yes, it can take 6-12 months after reaching embassy. Otherwise, it will only take 6 weeks after reaching embassy.

If you are a US Citizen applying for a spouse, then IR1/CR1 is the way to go. No need for K3 etc. Just follow the instructions closely, fill everything about properly, triple check all names, dates, spelling, provide clearly legible copies, etc.

[Ryan H 3,792]

USCIS processing will take 3 months

Your use of the phrase "will take" is also incorrect as that implies it will take exactly that amount of time. The posted time by USCIS from submission of petition to adjudication decision is 5 months. The time each individual couple will experience will vary, a decision on a petition could come earlier than 5 months, it could be later; only time will tell. With that being said, if the wait time goes over 5 months, then it's worthwhile to put in a service request and/or contact a Member of Congress/Senator.

[mike411 15]

I did a timeline seach and Pakistan is fast. 4-6 months for most and more than a year for a few.

[Sabian 4]

With all due respect, Sabian, your estimate is not correct. USCIS processing will take 3 months and once it gets to the embassy, interview will be scheduled in 1 week for an interview date which will be 6 weeks from that time. If you get administrative processing then, yes, it can take 6-12 months after reaching embassy. Otherwise, it will only take 6 weeks after reaching embassy.

If you are a US Citizen applying for a spouse, then IR1/CR1 is the way to go. No need for K3 etc. Just follow the instructions closely, fill everything about properly, triple check all names, dates, spelling, provide clearly legible copies, etc.

I have already gone through the process and this is how long it took. I am a US citizen and followed all instructions correctly and there were no mistakes. I am giving the timeline for myself and others on visajourney for an IR1/CR1. If you had a different experience with your case then good for you but don't assume everyone's timeline is the same. I am giving the max amount of time to expect so that there are no surprises. If their case is processed faster then maybe they have picked up the pace and I am happy for them.

USCIS took 9 months for me because they transferred 30,000 cases to the wrong processing center, but I was told that the average time is 6 months. NVC took about 1-2 months and was transferred to the embassy within 2 weeks. The interview was about 4-6 weeks after. I do not know what the timeline is if you get approved on the spot, but if you are put in AP (as a large portion are) then yes you can expect to wait anywhere from 6 to 21 months. I know several people that have been in AP for years.