Filing from abroad?

[pm5k 129]

It appears that filing from abroad is faster for the USCIS page (between NOA1 and NOA2). Does this mean simply mailing the I-130 form from overseas to the appropriate lockbox, or does one have to actually reside in the country of their foreign spouse? (Meaning, is there any benefit if I somehow sent the I-130 package overseas, and then had someone there send it in for me?)

[Inky 1,111]

You have to be living overseas legally.

[Roosha 51]

No, you need to actually be living overseas.

[ndu26 114]

you need to be living (not visiting) therew with legal status and all for at least 6months.

[Roosha 51]

you need to be living (not visiting) therew with legal status and all for at least 6months.

That's for DCF, which is not what the OP is asking about.

[MeredythB 38]

You must be living in the foreign country and be able to show proof of joint residence.

[Roosha 51]

You must be living in the foreign country and be able to show proof of joint residence.

What do you mean by proof? As in a joint lease or something? I def did not submit anything like that as our accommodation is provided from my husband's company so nothing is in our name.

[MeredythB 38]

What do you mean by proof? As in a joint lease or something? I def did not submit anything like that as our accommodation is provided from my husband's company so nothing is in our name.

Not a bank account, utility bill, or anything? Did you have stamps in your passport or an immigration card showing that you were living legally in your foreign country? Possibly life insurance, a car loan, or credit card bill showing both names with a foreign address? That is what I am referring to.

[Mntjc 14]

And let's not forget than this is not the case anymore (expedite for USC filling abroad).

[The Mean Lady 604]

And let's not forget than this is not the case anymore (expedite for USC filling abroad).

several abroad cases have recently been approved around one months time

just wondering how anyone would have known i didnt legally live here

my name is on the lease but i dont have any PR status here

[cookiesandcream 7]

several abroad cases have recently been approved around one months time

just wondering how anyone would have known i didnt legally live here

my name is on the lease but i dont have any PR status here

I am going to guess (I certainly did!) that most people who filed abroad would have included a photocopy of their visa. Afterall it could be pretty easy to just get someone's name on your lease.

[lierre 224]

This thread last year was really interesting to follow! http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/357465-usc-petitioner-living-abroad/

Yes, you (USC petitioner) need to be living abroad (work, home, etc) to be able to file from abroad

[The Mean Lady 604]

i shoulda just put the canadian address on mine.

[Roosha 51]

I didn't send anything, no visas, nothing here in my name. But my address on the I-130 is the same as my husband's as well as the address I put under "address last lived together" There are other questions on the I-130 that show you live abroad and also you can mention you live abroad in the cover letter. My son's CRBA is from here though, that might have helped. Also writing in big block letter "Filed from Abroad" probably drummed it into their heads more!