wife relocated to join me in Germany,

[megaladon 2]

I applied for direct consular filing in Frankfurt Germany, because I work in Germany, but this was not approved.  So next I applied for an I-130.  At the time of application her address was in her home country.  On the I-130 I selected the Frankfurt Embassy and opted for consular processing. While we have been waiting for I-130 approval, she has relocated to Germany and obtained a SOFA card and lives with me in Germany now.  We'd like to do her interviews in Frankfurt, Germany since we both live there now.  What would be the best moves for us as next steps? Should I update someone on her address change to Germany?   Should I do this by directly emailing the Frankfurt Consulate and asking them to transfer the case to themselves or something like that? 

[Crazy Cat 39,264]

Her address can be changed on the DS-260 at NVC. NVC can then route the case to the consulate of her residence.  After you have the case number from NVC, you can contact them to ensure proper routing. 

Edited March 29 by Crazy Cat

[megaladon 2]

Thanks.  When I submitted the I-130 online I received a receipt notice that already has a case number.  So I'm not clear on why they would issue a new case number or why this process is needed, since it's just an address change (and change of country).  I already selected Frankfurt consular processing route on the I-130 online form.  

Edited March 29 by megaladon

[Redro 4,600]

19 minutes ago, megaladon said:

Thanks.  When I submitted the I-130 online I received a receipt notice that already has a case number.  So I'm not clear on why they would issue a new case number or why this process is needed, since it's just an address change (and change of country).  I already selected Frankfurt consular processing route on the I-130 online form.  

You can’t change anything until the I130 is approved. It doesn’t matter which consulate you chose- it will probably be the consulate associated with your wife’s most recent address on I130- after it moves from USCIS (where it is now) to NVC (where the visa process will begin) you can update your wife’s information and where you want to email. 
you will receive a DIFFERENT case number at NVC the first three letters will indicate the consulate your wife is scheduled to interview. 

Edited March 29 by Redro

[megaladon 2]

Ok, thanks!  so I'll wait until I-130 is approved.   Some follow up questions:

1. Should I update her address online where my I-130 is to Germany now, or also wait until the approval to do that change?

2. once it's approved, will she get an immediate notice to go to her home country embassy, and would that cause an issue in terms of not having enough time to transfer things?  Or on the other hand delaying the process?  Not sure I have a clear picture of what follows the approval.

 

[Redro 4,600]

6 minutes ago, megaladon said:

Ok, thanks!  so I'll wait until I-130 is approved.   Some follow up questions:

1. Should I update her address online where my I-130 is to Germany now, or also wait until the approval to do that change?

2. once it's approved, will she get an immediate notice to go to her home country embassy, and would that cause an issue in terms of not having enough time to transfer things?  Or on the other hand delaying the process?  Not sure I have a clear picture of what follows the approval.

 

Don’t do anything until the I130 is approved. 
You will update everything when it gets to the NVC. 
Think about it this way: I130s are for various family relationships. It’s about verifying a visa can be issued. People could theoretically move 3 or 4 times while the petition is pending (e.g. siblings of USCs).

NVC has instructions on how to change the consulate location if it is the wrong one… 

None of her paperwork will go to the actual consulate until they accept all her documentation and they have an interview slot for her- this could take 1-6 months depending on various factors. Probably closer to 1-3 months  for you because you are in Germany. 

 

Edited March 29 by Redro

[appleblossom 1,307]

9 minutes ago, megaladon said:

Not sure I have a clear picture of what follows the approval.

 

 

Here you go, step by step guide - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition/step-2-begin-nvc-processing.html

[Ryan H 3,790]

Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.