CR1 - will our case be sent to a different processing centre?

[rubym2020 24]

Hi all. Me and my partner have decided to go the CR1 route. 

We are worried about processing times. We will be filing from Texas, the times are not too bad there, but we are worried it will be transferred to California or something. Is there any reason why our case would be transferred if Texas is processing those forms? Surely there is no reason for it to be transferred, but we don't want to start the process expecting a 12 month wait only for it to be 24 instead. 

 

 Any help is much appreciated. 

[AnnaCa 63]

11 minutes ago, rubym2020 said:

Hi all. Me and my partner have decided to go the CR1 route. 

We are worried about processing times. We will be filing from Texas, the times are not too bad there, but we are worried it will be transferred to California or something. Is there any reason why our case would be transferred if Texas is processing those forms? Surely there is no reason for it to be transferred, but we don't want to start the process expecting a 12 month wait only for it to be 24 instead. 

 

 Any help is much appreciated. 

Hi there,

No one knows where the I-130 will be processed. You say you’re filing from Texas? That doesn’t mean that it will be processed in Texas. You should submit it online ASAP and then it will be assigned a Service Center. The visa process is a waiting game, nothing to do about that unfortunately 😌
 

[rubym2020 24]

19 minutes ago, AnnaCa said:

Hi there,

No one knows where the I-130 will be processed. You say you’re filing from Texas? That doesn’t mean that it will be processed in Texas. You should submit it online ASAP and then it will be assigned a Service Center. The visa process is a waiting game, nothing to do about that unfortunately 😌
 

Wow that's annoying, thank you so much though! 

[Crazy Cat 39,212]

1 hour ago, rubym2020 said:

Wow that's annoying, thank you so much though! 

Why is it annoying?  USCIS assigns I-130s based on its workload across the different service centers and other factors.  You have no control over which service center processes your case, nor does it really matter.   Patience is the key.  

Edited March 7, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[rubym2020 24]

2 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

Why is it annoying?  USCIS assigns I-130s based on its workload across the different service centers and other factors.  You have no control over which service center processes your case, nor does it really matter.   Patience is the key.  

I'd just like some sort of indication of the time. Obviously I have no choice and very little control, and I'll be patient because I have to be. The disparity between some centers worries me, for example for I-130 wait is quite different between CAL and TX. But this whole process is just kind of a mess so we're stuck with whatever hand we get. 

[Crazy Cat 39,212]

5 minutes ago, rubym2020 said:

I'd just like some sort of indication of the time. Obviously I have no choice and very little control, and I'll be patient because I have to be. The disparity between some centers worries me, for example for I-130 wait is quite different between CAL and TX. But this whole process is just kind of a mess so we're stuck with whatever hand we get. 

I doubt it will go to California.  Good luck.  I hope you have a smooth journey. Patience is the key.

[powerpuff 5,889]

~ Topic moved from IR1/CR1 Process to Progress Reports ~

[Mido2021 0]

My I 130 went to the national benefit center and the process time is no where to be found. Anyone have an idea about what is the national benefit center processing time for i130?!

[SteveInBostonI130 3,319]

With the way USCIS has been shuffling cases in the past two years, there is no real sense to the processing time data.  They have been assigning and re-assigning cases as caseloads build up and ease across the service centers. 

 

It is better to use the timeline function here to see similar timelines, or join the case progress tracking group for your visa/month in the appropriate forums.

[mam521 1,723]

7 hours ago, rubym2020 said:

I'd just like some sort of indication of the time. Obviously I have no choice and very little control, and I'll be patient because I have to be. The disparity between some centers worries me, for example for I-130 wait is quite different between CAL and TX. But this whole process is just kind of a mess so we're stuck with whatever hand we get. 

Patience is definitely needed. You’re on the first step of many and immigration is far from the definition of fast. 
 

Standard I-130 is very unlikely to land in CA. They handle FP categories and some expedited categories and other oddities. Mine was there, but it was a special case and still averaged similar processing times to the regular processing centers. 

[SalishSea 16,769]

16 hours ago, rubym2020 said:

Hi all. Me and my partner have decided to go the CR1 route. 

We are worried about processing times. We will be filing from Texas, the times are not too bad there, but we are worried it will be transferred to California or something. Is there any reason why our case would be transferred if Texas is processing those forms? Surely there is no reason for it to be transferred, but we don't want to start the process expecting a 12 month wait only for it to be 24 instead. 

 

 Any help is much appreciated. 

Texas is simply the location of the lockbox, where everyone files.  There is no way to predict which processing center you will get, as it is not based on state of residency of the petitioner.

[SalishSea 16,769]

11 hours ago, rubym2020 said:

I'd just like some sort of indication of the time. Obviously I have no choice and very little control, and I'll be patient because I have to be. The disparity between some centers worries me, for example for I-130 wait is quite different between CAL and TX. But this whole process is just kind of a mess so we're stuck with whatever hand we get. 

.....which you will have, after you file and receive the notice of receipt.

[ovi666 7]

19 hours ago, rubym2020 said:

Hi all. Me and my partner have decided to go the CR1 route. 

We are worried about processing times. We will be filing from Texas, the times are not too bad there, but we are worried it will be transferred to California or something. Is there any reason why our case would be transferred if Texas is processing those forms? Surely there is no reason for it to be transferred, but we don't want to start the process expecting a 12 month wait only for it to be 24 instead. 

 

 Any help is much appreciated. 

I was at potomac, moved to Cali. Already prepare yourself for the worst but pray for the best. I have seen people getting approved from Cali in 10-12 months too.

[Katientsm 16]

You might get lucky and get Nebraska service center, which is only a 4-5 month wait, but I would just prepare for it to take around 1 year. A couple weeks after you submit, you can inquire about your case to see if it transferred. My NOA1 said Texas, but it was transferred to Nebraska shortly after. Good luck! 

[Redro 4,597]

21 hours ago, rubym2020 said:

Hi all. Me and my partner have decided to go the CR1 route. 

We are worried about processing times. We will be filing from Texas, the times are not too bad there, but we are worried it will be transferred to California or something. Is there any reason why our case would be transferred if Texas is processing those forms? Surely there is no reason for it to be transferred, but we don't want to start the process expecting a 12 month wait only for it to be 24 instead. 

 

 Any help is much appreciated. 

Just a little warning:

USCIS is only the beginning. 

You could also have issues at NVC if you don't make sure your I-864/DS260 and criminal background checks are all order. 

NVC stage is currently taking 3 months but if you don't submit the correct documents or don't fill out the forms correctly you'll have to re-submit and wait another 3 months. 

You're fairly lucky as England doesn't appear to have a very big back log from DQ to interview. 

Currently only a month or so...

Some consulates have a lot of applicants and members are waiting a year or so for interview. 

 

The best bet is to plan for a 1.5 to 2 year process. 

And visit your partner or have them visit you.