When a family member or a spouse is living outside the United States, the I-130 form is the initial step in the visa process. The I-130 form is the petition for an alien relative that establishes a relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. Once the USCIS approves the I-130 form, the next steps can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. In this article, we will discuss what happens after USCIS approves I-130, and what steps to take to continue the visa process.
Once USCIS approves the Form I-130, which is the Petition for Alien Relative, the next step depends on the specific case and the beneficiary’s location. Generally, the following steps include filing for adjustment of status, consular processing, or a K visa application. In this article, we will discuss the potential next steps after USCIS approves the I-130 and provide an overview of the process to help ensure a successful immigration journey.
Understanding the I-130 Approval
The I-130 form establishes a relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary, which is critical in the visa process. The USCIS’s approval of the I-130 form is not the final step in the visa process but an acknowledgment that the petitioner and the beneficiary have a qualifying relationship. The I-130 approval does not guarantee the beneficiary’s entry into the United States but is an essential step in the process.
What Happens After USCIS Approves I-130?
After USCIS approves I-130, the next steps in the visa process depend on the petitioner’s status and the beneficiary’s location. Generally, the USCIS will forward the I-130 form to the National Visa Center (NVC), where they will process the case.
The NVC will request additional documentation from the petitioner and beneficiary and provide instructions on the visa application process. After the NVC receives all the required documentation, they will schedule an interview with the beneficiary at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
Petitioner’s Role After I-130 Approval
After USCIS approves I-130, the petitioner’s role is to provide the required documentation to the NVC and support the beneficiary’s visa application process. The petitioner must provide financial support to the beneficiary and file an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) with the NVC.
Key takeaway: After USCIS approves the I-130 form, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), who will request additional documentation from the petitioner and beneficiary, and provide instructions on the visa application process. The petitioner’s role is to provide the required documentation to the NVC and support the beneficiary’s application process, while the beneficiary’s role is to complete the visa application process and attend the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
Required Documentation for the NVC
The NVC will request the following documentation from the petitioner:
- A copy of the I-130 approval notice
- Petitioner’s Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
- Beneficiary’s visa application (Form DS-260)
- Beneficiary’s birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce or death certificate (if applicable)
The petitioner must submit the requested documents promptly to avoid delays in the visa application process.
Beneficiary’s Role After I-130 Approval
After USCIS approves I-130, the beneficiary’s role is to complete the visa application process and attend the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The beneficiary must provide the required documentation and attend the visa interview as scheduled.
Key takeaway: The I-130 form is the initial step in the visa process for family members or spouses living outside the United States. Once the USCIS approves the I-130 form, the next steps depend on the petitioner’s status and the beneficiary’s location. The petitioner’s role is to provide required documentation to the NVC and support the beneficiary’s visa application process, while the beneficiary must complete the visa application process and attend the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. It is crucial to provide necessary documentation promptly to avoid delays in the visa application process.
Required Documentation for the Beneficiary
The beneficiary must provide the following documentation for the visa application:
- Visa application form (Form DS-260)
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination report
The beneficiary must follow the NVC’s instructions and provide the requested documentation promptly to avoid delays in the visa application process.
Joint Sponsor
A joint sponsor is someone who is willing to take legal responsibility for supporting the beneficiary financially. The joint sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident and meet the income requirements. The joint sponsor must also complete an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and provide supporting documentation.
Medical Examination
The medical examination is mandatory for all immigrant visa applicants, irrespective of their age. The beneficiary must undergo the medical examination from a designated physician, who will complete the medical examination report (Form I-693).
Police Clearance Certificate
The police clearance certificate is also mandatory for all immigrant visa applicants, irrespective of their age. The beneficiary must obtain a police clearance certificate from the police authorities in all countries where they lived for more than six months after the age of sixteen.
Visa Interview
After the NVC receives all the required documentation, they will schedule a visa interview for the beneficiary at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The beneficiary must attend the visa interview as scheduled and bring all the required documentation.
During the visa interview, the consular officer will review the beneficiary’s application and supporting documentation. The consular officer will also ask the beneficiary questions to determine their eligibility for the visa.
FAQs for the topic: after uscis approved i-130 what next
What is the next step after USCIS approves my I-130 petition?
After USCIS approves your I-130 petition, the case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will then process your case and prepare it for consular processing in the country where your beneficiary lives.
How long does it take for the NVC to process my case?
The NVC processing time can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the workload of the NVC. However, the average processing time is between 30 and 60 days. During this time, you should receive a notification from the NVC with instructions on how to complete the next steps.
What documents do I need to submit to the NVC?
The NVC will send you a document checklist which will contain a list of documents to submit. This typically includes civil documents such as birth, marriage, and police certificates, as well as immigration forms and fees.
Can I expedite the NVC processing time?
You may be able to request expedited processing if you have an urgent need to travel, such as a medical emergency. To request expedited processing, you must submit a request to the NVC with supporting evidence of your emergency.
What happens after the NVC completes processing?
Once the NVC completes processing and your case is ready, it will be forwarded to the relevant US embassy or consulate for consular processing. At this point, your beneficiary will be required to attend an interview and provide additional documents before a decision is made on their visa application.
How long does it take for my beneficiary to receive their visa after the interview?
The length of time it takes for your beneficiary to receive their visa after the interview can vary depending on the circumstances. After the interview, the consular officer will provide your beneficiary with information on when to expect their visa to be issued. It is important to note that the visa issuance process can take several days or even weeks.
