4Toms

Thanks for your response. Couldn't there be a situation like this when you'd have to upgrade at NVC

- LPR Applies for I -130 for spouse

- I-130 approved

- LPR becomes USC.

- NVC has not acted upon approved I-130 because of lack of Visa number.

Don't we have to upgrade with NVC to have the approved I-130 treated as Immediate Relative of USC ?

If you are in NVC stage, upgrade is not need since already your visa# is available when I-130 is approved.

If you are in pending I-130 stage, upgrade is needed to speed up your I-130 approval.

Loto

Thanks caliguy77 and DR AM for all your valuable inputs.

I agree with caliguy77.

A buddy of mine applied for his spouse when he was still LPR because his naturalization was in limbo. He get it all sorted it out in July, became a citizen, and just last week he got his receipt from NVC.

Hello sunny29,

How did your I-130 upgrade process to IR1 go ? How long did it take after upgrade to have it approved and do you think that you gained time by going the upgrade route rather than filing after becoming a USC.

I am an LPR in a similar situation trying to decide whether to file now or wait till I become USC. Any inputs from your experience will be appreciated.

~Toms

yes, find out new address and send ur all doc to right address.

i am in same ship i file i-130 in october and i am waiting for my oath but i am gone to send the document by mail no phone call after i become usc beacuse they have to have my certificate. if u wait they will send u REF

muskan4eva,

What number did you call to upgrade? Is there a specific process for the same and how long did it take after upgrade for your I-130 to be approved?

Appreciate any inputs / guidance in this regard.

~Toms

just wanted to confirm, i upgraded my I-130 on april 1st via phone. i also sent in my certificate copy and copy of NOA1. i sent it to where i originally filed my I-130 application. is this the right address.??

USCIS Lockbox

Attn: SAI-130

131 South Dearborn – 3rd Floor

Chicago, IL 60603-5517

the email confirmation of the upgraded petition that i got the same day had this address. was i suppose to send my photocopies here??

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

CALIFORNIA SERVICE CENTER

24000 AVILA ROAD

LAGUNA NIGUEL,CA 92677

caliguy77,

Am in a similar situation and curious to know what choice you made ( file as LPR + upgrade or File after USC) and the outcome.

Appreciate any guidance in this respect

~Toms

I got married a few months ago. I was scheduled for a citizenship interview - so I figured I'ld do the oath and then apply as a citizen instead of a LPR. Well my citizenship interview went well, passed the test, and the guy gave me a sheet of paper that says I am being recommended for Citizenship. But then he also said that my file needs to go for additional interview and I should hear something within a month. The guy did ask me for the marriage cert by the way - which luckily I had.

Now I don't know which black hole I am stuck in. The 130 application is ready. Should I file it, and then update it once I become a citizen, or if I am so close (at least it seems like it) Should I just wait.

Any ideas if one becomes a citizen then the priority changes immediately or it takes a few months to change lines - in which case I am better off waiting to file.

What do you all suggest ? ?

Am in a similar situation and is curious to know the choices you made and why . File as a PR and upgrade or wait for USC to upgrade?

Thanks for your help with this.

~Toms

Hi

I am PR now and about to apply for citizenship in about a month. I am in a dillemma that should I wait till I become citizen and then petition for I-130 or I should just file right now as PR so that atleast the process will start and once I become citizen I should upgrade the petition. Will it be faster then applying after getting citizenship which is still about 4-5 months away.

I just checked the Visa Timelines and NSC is talking only 6 months to process I-130 for spouse, filed by PR which is same as filed by a Citizen. Is that true?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Hello TravellingNomad,

I am pretty much in a similar situation as OP. Would like to file now and upgrade once I become a USC. How did you got about the "upgrade' process? Did you upgrade while I-130 was pending or at NVC after it was approved.

Thanks for your help with this?

-Toms

not sure it will save the time in processing. like one of the post said...same processing time for LPR and USC petitions. the wait time has to deal mostly with an available visa. but at least you've already got it filed and all you have to do is upgrade the petition which is not that hard. it only took a phone call for me. and when you upgrade to a citizen petition, your application will be changed to an IR1 petition.