lvjeremylv

Hi hi, we took pictures of our documents using our phone, and converted the pics into .pdf using a mobile app (to make the picts look like they were scanned).

Two years from the UK seems a bit long.  One year More or Less for I-130 approval, 3 months at the NVC and another month to schedule your Interview.  That’s if you don’t make any mistakes so be careful.  My Wife’s I-130 was approved in May after 10 1/2 months and forwarded to NVC where they asked for additional information after 2 months, one week which I provided the next day so we are waiting again for NVC. I did the paperwork myself but I know another guy who paid an attorney $2k and also had a question from NVC so I don’t think I screwed up but I suggest providing more info, not less.
 
I would also suggest that you complete the DS-260 and I-864 before your I-130 is approved so when NVC gives you the green light you’re already ready to upload your info immediately.  You can’t complete the DS-260 and I-864 online until the NVC clears your payment but you can download the forms and be ready to file them online day one to save some time.
 
Had I not had to provide additional info to NVC my timeline would have been:  10 1/2 months I-130 Approval, 3 weeks to submit forms to NVC, 2 months, one week response from NVC.  I was on track for 14-15 months.  I could have shaved 3 weeks off by preparing my NVC Documents in advance.  This is right now as I just responded to the NVC question on August 18, 2022.  My initial filing was June 30, 2021.  I hope this helps, good luck.

Hi, I'm a US citizen who married abroad and also lived abroad in my husbands country (Costa Rica) for 25 yrs.  I did all the paperwork from Costa Rica without having a job, property or even a bank account in the US since all of our assets are in Costa Rica.  My brother and my sister in law served as joint sponsors, we submitted photos, affidavits, the US address we added was my brothers and it took 2 years for the whole process to be completed.  It would have been less time but we went on hold for about 8 months because we still weren't 100% convinced on moving to the US.  Anyway, the process is tedious but pretty simple and as long as you follow the guidelines step by step it'll be a slam dunk.  You start with the I-130 and go from there.  No need to leave the UK and once your wife gets the temporary visa stamp on her green card, she can work as soon as she enters the US with you.

Touche 😅

Note also that a job waiting means nothing unless it is a transfer by your current employer. For a new employer, you'll need to move to the USA and start the job before providing the affidavit of support during the NVC stage of the process.  So, you can move in a year or so, leaving your spouse behind, use liquid assets to qualify, or have a qualified joint sponsor.

Logic does not always apply to USCIS.

You're working under the assumption the US wants to encourage family based petitions....
remember expedite and premium processing is available for work based green cards/ work cards. 

I do agree that a lot of people would likely pay for the priority processing, but that would just mean the USCIS could hire more agents. But I digress....

Per VJ member supplied data:
 

US process much cheaper and far easier. UK process much more expensive and more involved, but faster (especially with the option to expedite processing for more £££).
 
Neither are fun though. I wouldn't wish it on anyone to be honest.

Plan for two years... be happy if you get in ONE.
We applied last July and I received my visa this month. 
But, some members applied in July and are still waiting. 
My advice is to apply now. 
If your I-130 is accepted before you are ready you can delay at NVC stage.