Switching Consulates for Interview

[matlm 1]

Sent an I-130 in for my wife at the beginning of May. We're currently living in Spain until the end of December. If the I-130 is processed within the average time (5 months), we can expect an NOA2 in October. Should I start the NVC process intended for the Spanish Consulate in hopes of the small chance that we can be interviewed before the end of December, or would it be too much of a hassle to switch and I should have the process initiated with respect to our next country?

[LucidSofia 59]

Sent an I-130 in for my wife at the beginning of May. We're currently living in Spain until the end of December. If the I-130 is processed within the average time (5 months), we can expect an NOA2 in October. Should I start the NVC process intended for the Spanish Consulate in hopes of the small chance that we can be interviewed before the end of December, or would it be too much of a hassle to switch and I should have the process initiated with respect to our next country?

I had this same questions a few months ago when I sent my I-130 (feb 2013).. I also live in Spain and had plans to move to mexico in July, so I thought I would be somewhere in the NVC process by the time I had to move, and I was wondering what to do. I did not get any answers to my question back then.

This is what ended up happening: I got my NOA2 within 38 days of my NOA1.. moved on to NVC, requested an expedite at the end of the NVC process (medical reasons), and now I already have my visa. My point is.. if you and your wife live together in Spain, then there's a high probability that you will have your NOA2 fairly quickly (2 months or less from your NOA1 date), which means you would start the NVC process in July.. and maybe end up with an interview in November. Of course, this is sort of a best case scenario.. but I think you should wait until your have your NOA2, and then you'll know what to do, depending on how much time has passed. If your NOA 2 comes after July then I think you'd be cutting it very close. If if comes after august then I would definitely write down the next county you're moving to as the interview consulate.

[matlm 1]

Thanks for the great input. i was under the impression that i130 processing time is dependent on which field office handles the claim rather than what your current country of residence is. Please explain

[NikLR 13,234]

Do both of you live together abroad? Did you put that as your address? If so then your file should be at NBC because you would not have a local office. There are only local offices in the USA.

If you have put a US address it's possible that the I-130 would be forwarded to the local office of that address and yes, it would take longer for approval.

[matlm 1]

I need to look over my i-130. I don't have it on me this second. If I received my NOA1 at my address in Spain, then that's where they consider me living and that's what I filled out in part b of the 1-130, right?

[The Mean Lady 604]

I need to look over my i-130. I don't have it on me this second. If I received my NOA1 at my address in Spain, then that's where they consider me living and that's what I filled out in part b of the 1-130, right?

Then you will most likely have an expedited I-130 approval.

[LucidSofia 59]

I need to look over my i-130. I don't have it on me this second. If I received my NOA1 at my address in Spain, then that's where they consider me living and that's what I filled out in part b of the 1-130, right?

yes, if you got your NOA1 sent to Spain then that's where they consider you live.. and you'll probably (hopefully) be auto-expedited. Was your file sent to NBC, and is it still at NBC? Has your case shown up online yet? You could get your approval any day now.. My case didn't show up online until it was approved.

Good luck, and keep us updated!

[scienceworks 64]

Sent an I-130 in for my wife at the beginning of May. We're currently living in Spain until the end of December. If the I-130 is processed within the average time (5 months), we can expect an NOA2 in October. Should I start the NVC process intended for the Spanish Consulate in hopes of the small chance that we can be interviewed before the end of December, or would it be too much of a hassle to switch and I should have the process initiated with respect to our next country?

I am also in the same situation. Here is the my thread. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/435774-us-citizen-indian-spouse-living-in-germany/

The second to last reply gives a link to another post where the couple switched consulates after NVC stage

Edited June 30, 2013 by scienceworks

[matlm 1]

Thanks! Well, a couple of things. Hopefully we can make some sense of them and determine if things are good for me.


1. my NOA1 has a return address of the NBC in Overland Park, Kansas.
2. My receipt number starts with MSC. I've read this is in Missouri.

That's all the info I can seem to get before the offices open tomorrow and I can call.

Where in Spain are you by the way??

[Michael85.asl 5]

Thanks! Well, a couple of things. Hopefully we can make some sense of them and determine if things are good for me.

1. my NOA1 has a return address of the NBC in Overland Park, Kansas.

2. My receipt number starts with MSC. I've read this is in Missouri.

That's all the info I can seem to get before the offices open tomorrow and I can call.

Where in Spain are you by the way??

Did you call? If so what did you find out...

I recieved by NOA1 last week also from Overland Park Kansas at the new NBC........I haven't read much positive things on here yet about it but hope we all get NOA2's faster since were both from abroad. Your in Spain and i'm your neighbor over in France..... My NOA1 came in the mail as well.

Hope for the best.