In order to establish a qualifying relationship with a foreign national relative, a citizen or permanent resident of the United States uses Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Apart from that, this one is also used to communicate the intention to help that individual to get a green card in the United States. So, what is the next step after Form I-130 approval for a spouse?
An approved Form I-130 is an early step. There is still a long way to go. It is the early process that needs a few forms to be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS and or the U.S. Department of State. It is worth noting that the approval of I-130 petition does not mean that you are allowed to come to or remain in the United States. Instead, it is a prerequisite to filing an application for a green card (lawful permanent residence).
For those who want to know what the next step after I-130 is approved, you should know the kind of qualifying relationship you have with the U.S. petitioner. In case you are wondering why, it is because your wait time is affected by it. There is nothing to worry as it is simple and is the basis of your I-130 petition.
You will be included in the Immediate Relative category if you are:
- A spouse of one of U.S. citizen
- A son or a daughter of a U.S. citizen and are under 21 years of age and unmarried
- An orphan adopted aboard by someone with a U.S. citizenship
- An orphan to be adopted in the United States by someone with a U.S. citizenship
- A father or mother of a U.S. citizen (who is at least 21 years old)
Meanwhile, you will be included in the Family Preference category if you are:
- A son or daughter or a U.S. citizen and are 21 years old or older and unmarried
- A spouse or unmarried child of a permanent U.S. resident
- An unmarried adult son or daughter of a permanent U.S. resident
- A married son or daughter of someone with a U.S citizenship
- A sibling of a U.S. citizen (who is at least 21 years old)
As you already know the type of qualifying relationship you have with the U.S. petitioner, it is time for you to check out the steps to take after being approved for an I-130 below:
1. Reach out to the National Visa Center
Once your I-130 Form is received and approved by the USCIS, they usually need a few weeks or months to process it and hand it to the National Visa Center or NVC. The NVS is the one that will ensure that you are ready for your immigrant visa interview at a U.S Embassy or Consulate. Make sure to remain in touch with the NVC during the process as they will collect a few things such as relevant fees, supporting documents, and your visa application form. Besides, they will also assign you a case number that will be used throughout the entire process.
2. Pay Some Fees
There are two fees that you have to pay before going for your interview. The first one is Immigration Visa Application fee. As you are a spouse, you will also need to pay the Adjustment of Status fee.
3. Complete the Immigrant Visa Application
For the Immigrant Visa Application, there is a form called Form DS-260. There are some questions in this form that are based on personal and family information, including the information about work and education, previous travels to the United States, and so on.
4. Fill Out the Affidavit of Support
In order to support the beneficiary, the U.S. petitioner has to complete the Form I-864, which is also known as the Affidavit of Support. This document is important to ensure the petitioner accepts the full financial responsibility of the beneficiary.
5. Submit Civil Documents
Prior to the interview, it will be needed for you to submit copies of some civil documents, such as birth or adoption certificates, marriage or divorce certificates, copy of the beneficiary’s passport biographic page, and court or prison or military service records (if applicable).
6. Go to the Interview
In addition to completing these steps above, you should also attend your consular interview. NVC will tell you about your interview information, including the date, location, and time. They will do it when they send your Appointment Letter. Make sure to bring several documents to the interview, including Appointment Letter, passport, color photographs, DS-260 Confirmation Page, and supporting documents.
If the interview goes well, your visa will be approved and you will get a passport with your visa.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
