As of June 4, 2012, the filing processing and adjudication of Forms I-601 and Forms I-212 will be centralized domestically. These forms must be filed by mail to the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox in the United States. The Phoenix Lockbox will process the application and send to the Nebraska Service Center.
1
1. I-130 – Petition for Alien Relative
• $420 Filing Fee • Proof of the relationship • Could take up to 6 months
2
2. National Visa Center
• $318 Filing Fee, down from $492 earlier in 2012 • DS-230 or DS-260 – Depends on country (Mexico –DS-260) • I-864 Affidavit of Support – Petitioner makes enough for household to support beneficiary – I-864P (www.uscis.gov) has income guidelines • Usually 2-3 months, can be less – from NVC to Visa depends on country, transport of file, and how backlogged the Consulate is. From NVC to CDJ is about a month.
3
3. Visa appointment – US Consulate – Beneficiary’s home country
• Moment cross the border, if more than 1 year of unlawful presence, trigger 10 year bar. Some exceptions so consult an immigration attorney. • Go in advance for biometrics (fingerprints) and medical exam • Submit application packet to Consulate, will be denied for inadmissibility (unlawful presence, fraud/misrepresentation, etc.) • Will be told available to submit a waiver
4
4. Centralized I-601 Filing in the US
• Mail I-601 and supporting documents with filing fee (can be the day after the visa appt) • $585 Filing Fee • Est time is 6 months but currently taking 2 months, demand has increased so 6 months is likely d. Will receive receipt notice soon after submission
5
5. Connect Waiver Approval with US Consulate and obtaining Visa
• Waiver approval needs to travel to Consulate, consulate needs to request passport and possibly update medical exam if out of date. • Beneficiary might have to travel to Consulate or might be able to DHL passport and requirement. • Enter US with visa; legal permanent resident card (green card) will come in the mail about a month later.
