I-130 only first step?

[J&Cmay2016 4]

I read somewhere that the I-130 was just the first step. That after that got approved we would have to go to the embassy and apply for a visa separately. That the I-130 was just to confirm relationship status. Is this true? i read on here that the I-130 is all that's needed but i want to make sure so i don't have an unexpected expense and longer wait when it seems we are about to step over the finish line. That would be incredibly frustrating, you know? So much conflicting information on this process out there. The fiance visa was much easier to understand the process lol.

[Crazy Cat 41,975]

You might want to start with this page: http://www.visajourney.com/content/guides/

It will detail what is needed for your situation....

You are both in Ph, correct?

 

Edited September 15, 2017 by missileman

[J&Cmay2016 4]

He works for a us based company in manila so we are both living here. we plan on being here for about a year and then our hope was to be able to return to the states. He was born in India, but has worked here in the philippines for the past 8 years.

 

i did read the pinned post with the link to the guide, which is where i saw the info on the I-130 being the only application to fill out. that once its approved they put a conditional visa in your passport that is only activated upon reentry to the states. that it is only active for 6 months. since the other info i read elsewhere contradicted that i was looking for reassurance that the info here was the info that was correct. ill reread the guides

 

[Dutchster 1,107]

You can do DCF (Direct Consular Filling) if both living in the PH. It starts with filling an I130. If you have been married for less than two years, you will receive a conditional green card (2y valid) and will have to remove conditions in the US to get your permanent green card. Make sure your husband establishes domicile before your interview. 

Edit; first you will receive a CR-1 visa. Upon arrival in the US you will receive your conditional green card within a few weeks.

Edited September 15, 2017 by Dutchster

[J&Cmay2016 4]

for the DCF is it the I-130 and then the DS-230? or just the I-130?

 

[JFH 12,190]

This is page you need to read. Scroll down to the section about the I-130:

 

https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-offices/philippines-uscis-manila-field-office

[bakphx1 789]

The above responders gave you good information.  I wonder if you would de better to get married there and get a CR1.  The K1 means more paperwork & fees after arrival and no work permit for months.  If you plan to live abroad for a year, that is very good timing to get a CR1.  You could do a ceremony after arriving if that's the issue. 

[bakphx1 789]

Ignore above...for some reason I thought you talked about a K1 but you didn't! 

[NikLR 13,227]

8 hours ago, JFH said:

This is page you need to read. Scroll down to the section about the I-130:

 

https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-offices/philippines-uscis-manila-field-office

THIS!!!

 

You will file DCF.  

[pushbrk 12,968]

Just to clarify, the I-130 is not an application for anything.  It's a petition.  For a spouse, the I-130a is also required.  Become an A student of the I-130 instructions before starting to complete forms.  Then become an A student of the instructions for DCF from Manila.  It's a pretty compressed process, you I would get all the required forms ready up front, even though the affidavit of support and other documents cannot be submitted to the Consular Immigrant Visa Unit until the I-130 is approved.  Get your police report and birth certificate in advance as well, even though they are submitted after I-130 approval.

 

An approved I-130 petition, opens the door to apply for a visa.

 

You are correct that the function of the petition is to show the petitioner is a US Citizen, that the couple is legally married and that they were both free to marry at the time they married.

Edited September 17, 2017 by pushbrk

[J&Cmay2016 4]

thank you all that was super helpful.