US Immigration from Spain

Good morning, everyone,

The petitioner s I-864 petition and the D-260 form, along with the supporting civil and financial documents, have already been approved by the NVC. So now I m waiting for my case to be transferred to the U.S. Embassy in Madrid for an interview.

I ve been reading that starting in 2023, you need to visit the U.S. Embassy in Madrid at least twice. The first time is for the medical exam, fingerprinting, and submitting documents, and the second visit is for the scheduled interview.

Is this correct?

Does anyone have experience with this at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid?

Thank you!

NOA1: 13 March

Good luck to all March Filers

We had our interview today for lifting of conditions as well as citizenship for my husband. Interviewer mentioned there are limited ceremonies lately ugh! Any ideas how long ceremonies are taking to get scheduled in Irving Dallas after one s interview? Husbands status updated and it shows oath ceremony to be scheduled we ve got an international trip planned end of April for our babies first bday (non refundable) so a bit nervous on timing! I had previously heard oath ceremonies took place 2-3 weeks after the interview and then we could expedite passport aghhh!

Hello everyone,

The I-130 petition that my wife filed in January 2025 was approved on January 23, 2026! It took one year and there were no additional requirements.

We live outside the US, so NVC will send us instructions to file the DS-160 application before February 20, 2026.

Is there anything to keep in mind regarding the documentation to be submitted with the application?

For example, my wife's U.S. criminal background check is more than 6 months old. Is that a problem? Anything else?

Thank you.

Hi everyone,

I m hoping someone can point me to examples or sample packages for I-601 and I-212 waivers not to copy wording, but to understand structure, organization, and how successful packets are put together (cover letters, exhibit lists, evidence flow, etc.).

Brief background:

• I am a U.S. citizen.

• I recently completed my mom s LPR process on my own, and she was approved.

• We are now filing for my dad.

My dad was denied at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid based on the following history:

• In 1999, he was found to have used a false stamp in a passport, was denied entry, and returned to Ecuador.

• In 2000, he reentered the U.S. without inspection.

• He remained in the U.S. until 2008, when he left voluntarily to Spain.

• The consulate indicated he needs I-212 and I-601 waivers.

About legal help:
I know the standard advice is get a lawyer. I ve already done multiple paid consultations ($150 $300 each) and unfortunately have not received a clear or consistent plan. Given that I successfully handled my mom s residency case myself, I plan to prepare and file these waivers on my own.

My mom and I have already created a draft waiver package, and we are focused on making it as strong and well-organized as possible. We ve used AI as a tool to help with clear wording and structure, but all facts and evidence are real and properly documented.

Extreme hardship evidence we are including:

• My sister was in a serious car accident in November 2024, resulting in three spinal herniations. She requires daily care and assistance, which my parents provide.

• My mom is planning to begin formal studies in the U.S., which would be disrupted if she had to relocate.

• We also have a 14-year-old brother currently in Spain. We are in the process of obtaining a student visa for him as a temporary solution while waiting for him to become eligible for LPR through my mom (which I understand currently takes about 2 3 years).

What I m asking for:

• Where can I find real-world examples of I-601 and/or I-212 waiver packages?

• Forum posts, redacted samples, attorney blog examples, nonprofit resources, anything that shows how successful packets are organized.

Again, I m not looking to copy anyone s story, just to learn from format, strategy, and presentation.

Thank you in advance to anyone willing to share resources or point me in the right direction. I truly appreciate it.