Filing DS-260 before I-130 approval (USC living abroad)

[jdim 0]

Hi there

 

My partner and I submitted our I-130 (for a spouse of a USC) online on December 26, 2020 and our case is still being "actively reviewed". I finally managed to get through to a USCIS Rep and found out that our case was at some point transferred to the Texas Processing center, which means we still have a few months to go until the I-130 is hopefully approved =/

 

We submitted the application as a couple living abroad (Germany), however I (the USC) have already returned to the US to look for work, since we thought (hoped) that things wouldn't be taking as long as they are. 

 

My question is: is possible to file form DS-260 and/or Form I-864 with the NVC before the I-130 approval, so that things may be expedited a little? Or is the most we can do right now simply preparing the forms so that we can send everything off as soon as possible once the case is forwarded to the NVC? Any other tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated

 

 

 

 

[Crazy Cat 41,981]

You will not receive an NVC case number until USCIS has approved and forwarded the I-130 to NVC.  The DS-260 and I-864 cannot be submitted until then.  

[JeanneAdil 6,558]

you need not only a case # but the bill for the 2 fees and when the fees are marked as paid,  then u can fill them out

[jdim 0]

Thank you both for the help! We had our case transferred over to the NVC a few weeks ago and have our case number now