michaillah07

Hi there,

Mother filed an I-130 for my brother in 2011 with priority date of November 15, 2011. My mother is now a U.S. Citizen and I am not sure how we should proceed. I see that the wait time for F1 is longer than F2B. We are torn what is the best thing to do now. We appreciate any thoughts or experience. If we choose to keep the petitioner's status as a resident instead of citizen, what is the process.

Thanks,

MNL is the three digit code for Manila. It is the first 3 digit of your NVC case number that is needed to log in online at CEAC site. The IIN is your Invoice Identification Number. Without these two numbers, you are not able to do anything at this time. NVC's backlog is upt to 75 days from the date USCIS forwarded your file to NVC. Unfortunately, we are at their mercy. Good luck

Hi VJers,

It's been a while since I posted something in here. I filed my I-130 petition for my father in July 2014. It was approved in September 2014 but due to NVC backlog for 60 days, I only got the NVC case number and invoice number on November 20, 2014. I went ahead and checked CEAC website to complete DS-261 online as instructed. However, the link was grayed out which I understand others said it will take a week for the link to be activated and then I can complete the Choice of Agent. I check everyday and still grayed out. When I logged in today, I got this message online: THE NATIONAL VISA CENTER HAS FORWARDED YOUR FILE TO THE US EMBASSY/CONSULATE WHERE YOUR ARE APPLYING FOR AN IMMIGRANT VISA. ANY REQUIRED FEES MUST BE PAID DIRECTLY AT THE CONSULATE AT THE TIME OF YOUR INTERVIEW.

I have not completed the DS-260, nor paid the AOS fee nor submitted my Affidavit of Support documents to NVC but my father's file was already forwarded to the consulate? I was wondering if this is because I filed for expedite processing. Has anyone experienced this?

Anyway, I went ahead and completed the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (DS-260) online. I'm just a little panicky because I don't want anything to mess this up.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

She can!

Unfortunately, the sponsor is liable because of the affidavit of support. Remember, the sponsor swore with the US government to support the beneficiary until the beneficiary becomes a U.S. Citizen. Though, some hospitals cannot turn down anyone who needs treatment but doesn't have insurance, the sponsor will still be held liable. I have a friend who had same situation with her 75-year old father who had a heart attack 3 months after arrival in the states. Her salary is being garnished now to pay back her father's hospital bills. This is why sponsors should not petition relatives that they cannot support all the way. I am not being mean at all, it is unfortunate but it is a fact. I suggest to shop around competitive rates for health insurance ASAP. At that age, the lowest you probably can get is $700 per month basing it from a friend's 65-year old mother who is paying $550 per month with BlueCross Health Insurance. Good luck!

Hello,

I am Indian (above 21 years) and my mother migrated to US in 2007 with a greencard. Since I was above 21, I could not join her and my brother and came to US subsequently on an F1 student visa. My question is- Since I am in the process of applying for a family based visa (F2b category for unmarried children above 21 years), and my country of birth is NOT India, but Mauritius (I was born in Mauritius where my family stayed for 20 years before migrating to India and then US), will my processing time be faster?

Or will I be put in the backlog queue for India? I've noticed that for family based greencards, country of birth is what is usually determines your case file. Will it benefit me?

Any experienced insight will be highly appreciated. Thank you

Your priority date will be based on your Country of Citizenship. So, if your family migrated in India and you relinquished your Mauritian Citizenship, you will be processed under India category.

I think the thumbprint is a requirement the same thing that a credit card is not valid without a signature. If I were you, I will go ahead and submit all the docs for DS-230 processing since this takes time. Ask you mom to get another NBI clearance and make sure to put her thumb print this time. If there is something wrong with the NBI clearance you sent, they will send an RFE and it will be faster this time.

The NBI clearance is not valid without the thumbprint. Let your Mom get a new NBI clearance certificate before you submit your DS-230 because what's the point in submitting your DS-230 now and receive an RFE. It will be faster and less cost to just send all documents at one time so your documents will all be together. I have read other's experience who are sending documents different times that sometimes it gets lost or misfiled and causes delays. Nonetheless, it's your decision to make. Good luck.

Hi VJayers,

My mother is starting to organize the I-130 packet for my over 21 years old, unmarried brother. However, my brother has children though he is not married. The children are not living with him. Should we list his children in the I-130 form? Will USCIS question about the mother of his children? Again, my brother is not legally married but he has kids. He is in good relationship with the mother of his children though. If there is anyone who experienced this, please share. I will also appreciate your insights. Thanks.

Just want to have an idea of how long this process was for you personally ?? and if u're not done with ur process, whats ur timeline like?

Thanks.

Check my mother's timeline below. Good luck.

Hi, i'm filling I 130 for my mother, I saw your post about the expedite process, is it realy possible to expedite the I 130 process for my mother and if yes then can you please explain i'll be very thankful. Also in the Section C about the relatives all children, do i have to include by self too , and did you include any cover letter with your I 130 form.

thanks-

raaza

It's the NVC processing and emabssy appointment that I requested an expedite process on. The I-130 process just went thru standard process. They accepted expedite process request based on personal reasons that may cause extreme hardship to the beneficiary or the petitioner. In my case, I had to go home to the Philippines and my leave of absence was already approved at work for May so my mother's interview and visa release must be during first week of May or else I will lose my aloted leave time from work. I had to get notarized letter from my employer to prove that I can only take lave of absence for the month of May. I always include cover letter for anything that I send to USCIS or NVC, it is not required but it makes your communication to them very professional. Hope this helps.

My wife is also due on Sept 4 and we are hoping for our parents to be here before she gives birth. We are now in the NVC process and waiting for our case numbers. Good luck!

Just posting my timeline to give hope and inspire others in their visa journey.

How long is the expiration of an immigrant visa upon issuance? I asked this because I plan to visit and see my family first in the Philippines especially my father before he takes off to the States. Thank you all for your help!

Most visas are for 6 months. My friend's mother's visa was for 4 months only. I am not sure why it is not all the same so you should check your Dad's visa. Also, penguin is right. You should consider the date of medical because it is only valid for 6 months. Anyway, good luck to you. I am flying to Philippines tonight for vacation and then come back here to the states with my mother. I am so glad my mom's visa journey is finally over. Cheers!

hello guys,

what should I put under the relationship of the question C. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ALIEN RELATIVE,list husband/wife and all children of your relatves..

I'm workin on my dads form..so do I need to put he's relationship to my mom and siblings?or my relationship to them?grrrr..i felt so damn here..

your help is really appreciated..tnx

Part C is all about the alien relative, your Dad, so everything you put in Part C is pertaining to your Dad not you. Good luck.

so you submitt the family pict with the form I-130?...im sure I will ask a lot of help here once I started the process hehehe...had my oath ceremony this may 20 so I'm just counting the day lol.......

Not with the I-130. I submitted the pictures together with supporting documents for Form DS-230, Immigrant Visa Application form that you will submit to NVC once USCIS approves your I-130.

wow that was easy...about the pict..do I need to submit family picture during the process?im gathering some info coz I'm goin to petition my mom & dad soon..and I didn't read about family pict until you mentioned...tnx again

I saw one post here and so I added a few family pictures. I guess whatever helps to show relationship or bond with your parents count. My mother said the consul enjoyed watching the pictures and it became very informal interview. Good luck to you and your parents. I am done for now until Mama arrives here and will also petition my unmarried siblings through my mother. Then the story starts again

hi im just curious about your mom's interview..how long it takes?and what kind of questions she got?

tnx

It only took 5 minutes or so. The Consul asked my mom my name, date of birth, my husband's name, my work here, if I have kids, how many children she has and then asked my mother to finger point me in our family picture. After that, the Consul told my mother that she is approved and to go to window 27 to fill up 2GO delivery form.

Thanks to all of you....and good luck to you as well.

My mother's visa journey is finally over oer. She had her interview yesterday and was approved... YAY!!!! I thank you all so much VJ for all your help. I wish good luck to everyone. Keep the faith!!!

By the way, I was wondering how long doe 2GO courier deliver's visa? I tried tracking it online using case number like other posts said but I am not getting anything. Anyway, I hope it's on the way.

Hi Folks,

recd the approval letter for I-130 for my parents now what is the next step?

thanks for all your help you guys rock

Pri

Start calling NVC to get case number so you can start paying the fees and sending documents. Click on the NVC processing on VJ Wiki to see NVC process.

Yes you can but you still have to go back after you receive your visa which cause more expenses for others due to transport and lodging for people coming from the provinces. It's a matter of choice based on practicality.

Okay, I requested expeditious processing of my mother's case on April 14. On April 22, I received a letter stating from NVC that my request was accepted and granted by US embassy in Manila. However when I called NVC the rep said it was approved for expedite case but the packet has not left the building yet. I was also told that once an expedite request was granted NVC sends the packet within 24 hrs. It's been almost a week now and the rep just told me the packet was not sent yet. Anyone who experienced this?

Documents has been sent to Manila today. YAY

hi to all Pinays or any members who has a knowledge about CFO seminar in the Philippines. Is it advisable to have that seminar before ur medical exam and interview? or medical and interview first? which is better? after or before? because they also need our passport during that seminar, right? any experience to share VJ members? Thank you and God Bless.

You can't have the seminar first because you have to have your visa before you can register for the seminar. Below is the requirement to register for CFO:

Requirements for Registration

1.Original and photocopy of passport (must be valid about six months before date of travel)

2.Original and photocopy of visa

3.One (1) 2x2 or passport-size photograph

4.One (1) valid identification card with photograph (eg., SSS ID, GSIS E-card, PRC ID, driver's license, postal ID, ARC, etc.)

5.Photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for USA-bound emigrant (must not be detached from visa packet)

You can go to http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=234&Itemid=33 for more information.

Okay, I requested expeditious processing of my mother's case on April 14. On April 22, I received a letter stating from NVC that my request was accepted and granted by US embassy in Manila. However when I called NVC the rep said it was approved for expedite case but the packet has not left the building yet. I was also told that once an expedite request was granted NVC sends the packet within 24 hrs. It's been almost a week now and the rep just told me the packet was not sent yet. Anyone who experienced this?

Where can you log in for status check? I thought NVC only has automated voice system?

This is the link where you can log in to pay NVC fees and to print document coversheets and payment receipts. Once NVC completes your case, you can no longer sign in in the site.

https://ceac.state.gov/CTRAC/Invoice/SignOut.aspx

Hi,

I received the same message and I think it means your case has been completed. I called the customer service number and the automated message confirmed that my case has been completed. It also said to call back if I haven't heard anything after 8 weeks.

Yep, it's a good thing. It means that NVC has completed processing your case and it will be forwarded to appropriate consulate overseas.

Hi mga kabayan, My mom is going to Manila on Wednesday for her Medical Exam. I'm looking for a hotel closest to St.Luke yet safe & not too expensive. Does anyone of you here heard about Soriente Hotel? is it safe? is it clean? How about Paragon Tower Hotel... any feedback? Thank you so much!

My mother checked in at Soriente Hotel yesterday. She is at St. Lukes right this very moment. My sister is with her and she is impressed with Soriente and it is very adjacent to St. Lukes.