Quick1: I-130 approved while in USA on WVP?

[dez93_2000 2]

Hi all,

I was wondering what would happen if the I-130 was approved while I happened to be in the US on a WVP holiday of a month or so...

But the more I read the more I think that this 'surprise' would be impossible as the immigrant visa (AKA CR-1 visa) would only be granted after an interview (assumedly/apparenty in Dublin given I'm based in Ireland).

Can anyone vouch for my understanding here? Thanks!

Also, relatedly: "If the consulate officer approves your relative's immigrant visa application, your relative will be issued an immigrant visa that allows your relative to become a US permanent resident. Your relative will become a U.S permanent resident only when he/she enters the U.S at a port of entry, until this time, he/she only has an immigrant visa that is valid up to 6 months from the interview date."

Is the immigrant visa handed to the relative (me) immediately post-interview, if successful? Or mailed? If mailed: any known timeline estimates? Unless i'm misunderstanding the labelling, I don't think I've seen this stat on the stats page...

Thanks!

Edited January 29, 2014 by dez93_2000

[Harpa Timsah 13,260]

I-130 is not a visa. It is only a petition that establishes a familial relationship between you and a USC. Once the I-130 is approved, there are many other steps to complete that will result in an interview Dublin. Why do you have a UK flag if you are in Ireland? I believe that northern ireland goes to London too. Good luck.

[pushbrk 13,650]

A petition is not a visa application, so it's approval grants nothing but the privilege of applying for the visa. Where the foreigner is located on approval day is irrelevant. The process will continue as usual, regardless. Learn the process and be prepared for the NVC stage.

[dez93_2000 2]

Sorry both, using the wrong terminology: I mean to say "if the whole CR-1/IR-1 process, begun by filing the I-130, was approved while I happened to be in the USA" - will edit now. Still getting my head around all the terms and forms

@ Harpa: I'm British but living in Ireland - found this bit out from Nich-Nick's comment here

(can't edit post now, sorry)

Edited January 29, 2014 by dez93_2000

[Harpa Timsah 13,260]

The Cr-1 process will not be approved when you are in the US, unless say, you hop on a plane directly after your interview. Either way, you need the physical visa to become a LPR. After your interview, you will ned to wait for the visa to be sent to you via post, then you will travel to the US and entering the US will trigger your LPR status.

Coming up to your interview you will have a medical exam and things, so there is work to be done at home to ready for the interview.

If you reside in Ireland, not NI, then yes, you will be interviewed in Dublin.

[dez93_2000 2]

Thanks Harpa, I appreciate the insight.

Am I looking in the wrong place for the timelines for 'successful interview -> visa arrived in post' ?

If they don't exist, do you anecdotally have any idea of how long they tend to last?

Thanks again!

[Harpa Timsah 13,260]

I seem to remember seeing a 2 week lag or so.

Edit: Oh, scratch that. You know what? I am thinking of London. I am not sure how they do it in Ireland or how long it takes.

Edited January 29, 2014 by Harpa Timsah

[dez93_2000 2]

Haha, "6 months" would be my guess

Interesting that this element of the timeline isn't captured, given how much else is! I might ask the mods/admins about that, since it's another piece of the puzzle...

Cheers again!!

Simon

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Parts--

1) Petition at USCIS approved. Sent to NVC

2) NVC- forms, documents, fees, and a few months processing. When "case complete" , meaning all the processing is done, the NVC will assign your date to appear in Dublin. You should have a month's notice. Get back to Dublin in time for a medical exam and the interview.

3) Dublin has the file from NVC. The get the medical report from the panel physician. You Interview. They keep passport to stick the visa in. A week later (?) the visa/passport is couriered (or mailed ) to your home in Dublin. Not sure if Dublin uses a courier service or mail. There will also be a packet containing all your case file that you will turn over, unopened, to immigration when you enter the US on your visa.