Embassy Paris for I-130 today

[lostinfrance 0]

FYI

We arrived around 6:45am and the gendarmes told us that people usually started showing up at 7/7:30. (We parked right by the Embassy, btw, in the underground Vinci parking lot.)

After a short wait, Embassy security started checking our papers and such and told us to advance to the second waiting area, still outside. About 6 - 7 other people had arrived by then. After security checks inside, etc, we were sitting and waiting, kiosk ticket number in hand.

At 9am, they called us as we had been first in line for I-130s. We went to a window and the French employee there gave our papers a first run-through, correcting things as she went with a red pen, giving us back some copies that we'd made, etc. I wish I could have had a copy of the corrections - she was doing it so fast, we couldn't keep track...!

She asked to see a couple of our original documents and asked a few ?s about why we were going to the States, where we would be living... Nothing spectacular. Then, I was sent me off to pay at Window 20. After paying and showing the same employee our receipt, she told us to sit near Window 10. We were called shortly. Behind Window 10 was an American who, again, asked questions and finally told us our Petition was approved and explained that we'd be receiving something in the mail in 3-4 weeks.

All in all, a very efficient process. The Embassy personnel were all friendly, patient and helpful. In took exactly one hour - we were out of the Embassy by 10am.

Parking was 13 euros and change. Drink machines in the lobby, photomats, Chronopost machines, and even Internet are available. LOTS of chairs, and water fountains for those on a budget.

[Mammimaus2007 0]

are you sure that your I-130 was approved or did you misunderstand it by being accepted? Since no embassy is able to approve a I-130 anymore on the same day due to the Adam Walsh law, they have to do a FBI backround check on the US Citizen which can take up to 90 days!!!

[lostinfrance 0]

are you sure that your I-130 was approved or did you misunderstand it by being accepted? Since no embassy is able to approve a I-130 anymore on the same day due to the Adam Walsh law, they have to do a FBI backround check on the US Citizen which can take up to 90 days!!!

I distinctly remember the Embassy employee using the word 'approved' but she wasn't saying that my spouse's green card was on its way. She was saying that we had passed the first hurdle and that the next step would be preparing everything they ask for in the package she said we would receive in 3 - 4 weeks.

But she did use the word 'approved' for our Petition. And she stamped it and signed off on it simultaneously as she said it.

[MargotDarko 0]

are you sure that your I-130 was approved or did you misunderstand it by being accepted? Since no embassy is able to approve a I-130 anymore on the same day due to the Adam Walsh law, they have to do a FBI backround check on the US Citizen which can take up to 90 days!!!

Is this definitely true? I'm quite sure I've heard of a few people recently receiving approval on their petitions the same day.

Edited July 29, 2007 by MargotDarko

[manuidf78 0]

are you sure that your I-130 was approved or did you misunderstand it by being accepted? Since no embassy is able to approve a I-130 anymore on the same day due to the Adam Walsh law, they have to do a FBI backround check on the US Citizen which can take up to 90 days!!!

Is this definitely true? I'm quite sure I've heard of a few people recently receiving approval on their petitions the same day.

[manuidf78 0]

Hi,

I'm on the way for the CR1 in Paris . I'll have my final interview in September.

So it's true that they accept your I130 the same day, but it will be approved after checking ( FBI or others things) and you will received your new package to prepare ( I received it in 1 week !!!!).

Regards

Manu

[Mammimaus2007 0]

then I wonder why everybody else has to wait forever for a approval? To bad we are not residing in France

[MargotDarko 0]

then I wonder why everybody else has to wait forever for a approval? To bad we are not residing in France

I wonder a bit too... I filed in London and had to wait almost three months for approval.

[bodypumpkaren 0]

Definitely true and I believe it totally depends on the embassy where you apply. We were also (accepted AND)approved the same day we lodged the I-130 application at the Johannesburg consulate. It seems each embassy has their own procedures. We received packet 3 one week from the date our I-130 was accepted.

Good luck and congratulations!

~Karen