i-130 Filed

[Jematt 7]

You normally get your NOA1 pretty quick (within two weeks). It's the NOA2 that is driving us all crazy. We sent ours in May, it went to the NBC (which stats with MSC). From the looks of it that center has stopped processing applications all together at this point and that is why some are saying WOW that you got California cause they had stop sending them there and California has been pretty fast with the I-129F forms so maybe they will be fast with the I-130s. But if you want to not get your hopes to high I would stick to the 6 - 8 month wait time. If it comes sooner then SURPRISE!

Yikes! That isn't good that the MSC has stopped processing applications. I really don't understand how that can be considered ok--don't they have accountability? I hope you're right and California will continue to be really fast with the I-130's. I really am crossing everything....the wait is super hard, so I think your advice is sound and I'll just expect the 6-8 month wait and be happy if it's faster. Are you waiting on your NOA2?

[Ryan H 3,796]

EEEK! Hopefully that won't be the case! I can't think of why they'd deny us....nothing should stand out as a problem. Only thing I have to figure out is how to show "co-mingling" of our finances because we currently don't need to do that since we live in separate countries.

I mentioned that only for purposes of semantics and as an important reminder that USCIS will not rubber stamp a file.

Co-mingling of finances is not a requirement.

One more point on semantics, an I-130 form is a petition form, not an application form.

Finally, it appears you properly submitted your petition along with strong evidence, so having it denied at the USCIS level is not a likely outcome.

Edited September 13, 2013 by Ryan H

[Jematt 7]

I mentioned that only for purposes of semantics and as an important reminder that USCIS will not rubber stamp a file.

Co-mingling of finances is not a requirement.

One more point on semantics, an I-130 form is a petition form, not an application form.

Finally, it appears you properly submitted your petition along with strong evidence, so having it denied at the USCIS level is not a likely outcome.

Thanks for that encouragement, Ryan! I hope it all goes through without an issue. If co-mingling isn't required, that's good. I thought that many modern couples don't co-mingle, but we were debating whether we should start some sort of joint account(s) just for this purpose, even though it's completely unnecessary for us at this time. We're still debating what's the best idea on this. We just don't want to give them any reason to question our situation.

[Simeon 25]

Thanks Alaska2012 and NLR. I have read a bit and seen that there is an NOA1 and an NOA2. I don't know when to expect what. From reading the links you gave me, I should expect to receive the NOA1 in 2-3 weeks, it looks like.

Thanks for the feedback about the photos. I had a feeling they would ask for the item with some sort of form. Looking at the list, I have submitted every other item they request. I feel kind of silly for forgetting one little thing, when I even had them done. But, c'est la vie!

Thanks for those guides as well. I see that there is a substantial amount of paperwork that they will request such as certified birth certificates, police records and tax documents. Good to know so we can get started on that now. Do you know how recent they need to be? I know my hubby has to order his docs from the UK and they may be slow. I just don't want to start too soon either.

NOA1 should come shortly after you file. It is simply a notice of action that tells you they're "working on it". Mine came about a week after I sent in the I-130. The long wait is the NOA2, as you have read, it takes about 6 months on average. Check out the timeline statistics for an idea of the milestones: http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/irstats.php?cfl=

Many documents have a maximum validity period of 6 months. Of course, it's better to play it safe and have fresher documents rather than stale ones. If in doubt, just phone them and ask. Everytime you need to communicate with the government, you're looking at minimum 1 month delay or more. So, don't forget those pictures again.

[HG&TG 4]

I just filed the i-130 with the Phoenix location since I'm in California, petitioning for my husband's visa--he's in Amsterdam. We were married just three weeks ago, so lots of new things to deal with. I'm just hoping some of you can give me an inkling of what the process will look like from this point forward. I realized, after I sent everything in, that I had forgotten to include the two recent passport photos, for example. I'm assuming they will request these from me when they see that they are missing. I included everything else. So, I don't plan to send them until they give me a case number and let me know what's missing--best plan, right? I hardly imagine they'd reject the application because of the missing photos.

Anyway, if anyone has experience and can tell me what to expect, I'd appreciate it. I feel a little like a fish out of water. I did see that the processing times are slow, up to a year. Has anyone got any idea why, and if they have sped up at all?

Thanks for any and all input!

Take a look at our time line

Good luck on your Visa Journey!

[Jematt 7]

NOA1 should come shortly after you file. It is simply a notice of action that tells you they're "working on it". Mine came about a week after I sent in the I-130. The long wait is the NOA2, as you have read, it takes about 6 months on average. Check out the timeline statistics for an idea of the milestones: http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/irstats.php?cfl=

b

Many documents have a maximum validity period of 6 months. Of course, it's better to play it safe and have fresher documents rather than stale ones. If in doubt, just phone them and ask. Everytime you need to communicate with the government, you're looking at minimum 1 month delay or more. So, don't forget those pictures again.

Thanks Simeon! Wow, you have been waiting for a while. Good luck to you guys! You are very patient. I hope your spousal visa is not a problem. Good luck and you're right...I won't forget those pics again!

Take a look at our time line

Good luck on your Visa Journey!

HG&TG--thanks for posting! You're also processing through The Netherlands!!! That's great to see someone processing through the same country as it's really not a common spot on here (or in general!) It looks like yours was about the same time last year and you were done pretty fast. Crossing my fingers we follow in your footsteps.

[Jematt 7]

Hi Everyone,

I'm updating here, too.... Tonight I got a text and email saying the following:

"On September 24, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN."

My case status has been moved from Initial Review to Post Decision Activity on the web. I can hardly believe it! I believe this is the NOA2...but one of you who knows better can tell me if I'm right.

[CaizLurol 36]

Wow congratulations! That was quick!

[Jematt 7]

Wow congratulations! That was quick!

Thank you! I know! AMAZING! Not sure what to say except that I'm soooo incredibly grateful for whatever made it so fast!

[shadowflex 8]

Hi Everyone,

I'm updating here, too.... Tonight I got a text and email saying the following:

"On September 24, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN."

My case status has been moved from Initial Review to Post Decision Activity on the web. I can hardly believe it! I believe this is the NOA2...but one of you who knows better can tell me if I'm right.

Wow! Wow!! Wow!!! I have been quietly following your posts for a while now, mainly because my priority date is Sep-09-2013 and i believe yours is Sep-10-2013. My petition was forwarded to the California Service Center and i got the WAC number just like you did. I decided to use your case as a forerunner for mine. I red all about the missing passport sized pictures in your petition and i thanked God i didn't leave those out in mine and i kept hoping for the best. The fact that people claimed petitions are no longer being forwarded to California Service Center because of heavy backlog got me worried. Moreover the estimated waiting time on the usgov site is not enticing at all.

I have just checked my case online and it still says "initial review"

Now i don't know if i should worry or rejoice, judging by the expedited action on your petition. By the way what happened to the missing passport photographs in your case? Did they ever request for those?

Also are you a US Citizen or an LPR?

More importantly, i'd like to say a big Congratulations to you. All the best and i hope the remaining wait will be even shorter by God's grace.

Cheers

[Jematt 7]

Wow! Wow!! Wow!!! I have been quietly following your posts for a while now, mainly because my priority date is Sep-09-2013 and i believe yours is Sep-10-2013. My petition was forwarded to the California Service Center and i got the WAC number just like you did. I decided to use your case as a forerunner for mine. I red all about the missing passport sized pictures in your petition and i thanked God i didn't leave those out in mine and i kept hoping for the best. The fact that people claimed petitions are no longer being forwarded to California Service Center because of heavy backlog got me worried. Moreover the estimated waiting time on the usgov site is not enticing at all.

I have just checked my case online and it still says "initial review"

Now i don't know if i should worry or rejoice, judging by the expedited action on your petition. By the way what happened to the missing passport photographs in your case? Did they ever request for those?

Also are you a US Citizen or an LPR?

More importantly, i'd like to say a big Congratulations to you. All the best and i hope the remaining wait will be even shorter by God's grace.

Cheers

Yes, but I realized when I went through all of my paperwork the other day....I obviously sent in the other set of passport photos. You see, we had taken two sets. I still had one set and thought I'd forgotten my photos. But, I didn't actually!

Mine said Initial Review the same day I called the USCIS and they told me to keep waiting. Three hours later, it said Post-Decision activity! Strange...so keep checking! Another approval came from California, I read in another thread.

I'm a USC.

Thank you! Keep me posted on your petition....I wish you the best of luck as you continue!!!!

[shadowflex 8]

Yes, but I realized when I went through all of my paperwork the other day....I obviously sent in the other set of passport photos. You see, we had taken two sets. I still had one set and thought I'd forgotten my photos. But, I didn't actually!

Mine said Initial Review the same day I called the USCIS and they told me to keep waiting. Three hours later, it said Post-Decision activity! Strange...so keep checking! Another approval came from California, I read in another thread.

I'm a USC.

Thank you! Keep me posted on your petition....I wish you the best of luck as you continue!!!!

Hi jenmatt ,

I promised myself i would come back to inform you when i am ready to do my dance too

I was always checking the website 2 times a day trying to hold on to my faith as one of the lucky California Petitioners until recently, I got fed up and stopped checking. So this morning, I couldn't resist the urge and had to check and ......voila i saw the message below

Post Decision Activity

On October 21, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.

Right now I am still trying to contain the happiness so my colleagues don't take me as something else.

It took 42days from my PD

I know my PD is 09/09/13 and not current but nevertheless, I am still one of those lucky ones from California

Now the 2nd wait to be current begins

[Tradewind 6]

I just filed the i-130 with the Phoenix location since I'm in California, petitioning for my husband's visa--he's in Amsterdam. We were married just three weeks ago, so lots of new things to deal with. I'm just hoping some of you can give me an inkling of what the process will look like from this point forward. I realized, after I sent everything in, that I had forgotten to include the two recent passport photos, for example. I'm assuming they will request these from me when they see that they are missing. I included everything else. So, I don't plan to send them until they give me a case number and let me know what's missing--best plan, right? I hardly imagine they'd reject the application because of the missing photos.

Anyway, if anyone has experience and can tell me what to expect, I'd appreciate it. I feel a little like a fish out of water. I did see that the processing times are slow, up to a year. Has anyone got any idea why, and if they have sped up at all?

Thanks for any and all input!

Wow you were approved in 15 days and without the pictures ???? Your I-130 was approved in 15 days from your NOA1 date. Just read your timeline. Did I read this correctly? Good luck

I just filed my I-130 from California to the Phoenix Service center, they received it on Oct 18 and they have not cashed the check or replied. Just waiting.

[Jematt 7]

Hi jenmatt ,

I promised myself i would come back to inform you when i am ready to do my dance too

I was always checking the website 2 times a day trying to hold on to my faith as one of the lucky California Petitioners until recently, I got fed up and stopped checking. So this morning, I couldn't resist the urge and had to check and ......voila i saw the message below

Post Decision Activity

On October 21, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.

Right now I am still trying to contain the happiness so my colleagues don't take me as something else.

It took 42days from my PD

I know my PD is 09/09/13 and not current but nevertheless, I am still one of those lucky ones from California

Now the 2nd wait to be current begins

Shadowflex...CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I am going to do the happy dance with you now!!! Thank you, God!!! This is amazing news for you, too!!!! California has been good to us, it seems! That is such a fast approval...a little longer than mine, but not bad at all! I am so happy for you!

Thank you for coming back to keep me updated! Please stay in touch as this process unfolds. I wish you the best of luck as you make your way through NVC and the consulate phase! I will warn you...the NVC phase is quite slow at the moment. It took them 3 weeks to get my case to NVC and another week or more to get it into the system. It seems like forever. Then it's another process to get invoiced, etc. But, hopefully we can make it through by the new year, please God!!!! I am so so happy for you!!!! Congratulations again!

By the way...you have every right to be super excited!

Wow you were approved in 15 days and without the pictures ???? Your I-130 was approved in 15 days from your NOA1 date. Just read your timeline. Did I read this correctly? Good luck

I just filed my I-130 from California to the Phoenix Service center, they received it on Oct 18 and they have not cashed the check or replied. Just waiting.

I was approved very quickly, yes. You read that correctly. However, I did have the pictures in there, as it turns out. I realized later that the second set that I found was our duplicates that we took just incase. It has been really fast and I've been so lucky, to be honest! I am hoping the same for my friends on here...but as you see, another friend, Shadowflex, also got a very fast approval. If you only sent it in, give it another week or so before you would get your NOA1. Did you ask for the emails and texts? I hope so. That usually comes well before the letter! Good luck!!!