I-130 questions

[Cathymac 60]

Hi there, I'm new on here and have a few questions. They have probably been answered before but I haven't seen it. I see people talking about their cases being 'touched'. How do you know? I can only see initial review on my application. Also, does anyone think the process is faster if you have a lawyer and are therefore less likely to have RFEs? I'm a November filer. Thanks in advance.

[NikLR 13,227]

People have said in the past that sometimes the date of something happeneing or a transfer in their case means the file was "touched." It really means nothing but people feel better thinking someone looked at or moved the file vs it sitting in a pile. Doesn't mean it will be adjudicated soon at all.

[NikLR 13,227]

No, the process isnt faster with a lawyer. Really you shouldnt get an rfe if you sent everything you need to. So a lawyer isnt handy until the NVC stage where the ds-261 isn't needed anymore, and both the IV and AOS fees are invoiced at the same time. Normally you'd send in the ds-261 and have to wait for it's acceptance to recieve the IV invoice. But a Lawyer isn't likely to be calling the NVC like you would to find out case numbers and then checking the CEAC site for updates.

Edited February 2, 2014 by NLR

[Cathymac 60]

Thank you. We do have a lawyer though..

[NikLR 13,227]

Thank you. We do have a lawyer though..

Even with a lawyer you may want to be calling at the NVC stage and stay on top of your lawyer to make sure everything is done as quickly as possible. No one cares more about this process than you do.

Before then, you just have to wait. Everyone has to wait. Keep checking up on your case at at the USCIS website and sign up for an account there to get emails if your case is updated. I found out about the approval because I had an account there. The original G-1145 only works for the NOA1 email.