GC for Parents - AOS and CP - Information Source

[JohnnyCash]

Below are good information to guide you thru this process.


http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/usc...0045f3d6a1RCRD

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/usc...0045f3d6a1RCRD


Good luck in your journey....

[ari4u]

Please post your AOS interview timeline even if you have attended the interview so that others waiting can get an idea of how long it would take for their turn



Give these timeline trackers a try.




Quick Look:

New to Immigration?
1. USCIS Website
2. USCIS Abbreviations and Lingo ==> here
3. NBC: National Benefits Center: FAQ
4. What is the LockBox ?
5. Department Of State Visa Bulletin


Getting Ready to File?
1. USCIS Official Forms and Fees ==> here
2. Editable USCIS PDF forms: ==> here (thanks Piyalove!) (use at your own risk)
3. Sample cover letters are attached with this post. Modify to suit your requirement. Always check USCIS website for correct fees.
4. FAQ: I-693 - Medical Examination. Look==>here
5. Ready for your medical? Find a Civil Surgeon ==> here
6. General information on immigration forms ==> here
7. General assembling instructions for your AOS package ==> here and here
8. Not sure if you should submit original or photocopy of a document? Look ==> here
9. Not sure where to send your completed application? Look ==> here
10. Which Service Center does what? Which USCIS office handles what applicaitons? ==> here


After You File:
1. Got your receipt numbers? Check your case status online ==> here
2. What do ASC Codes on your NOA mean?
3. What do USCIS case status messages mean?
4. EAD approval timeline: ==> here.
5. AP Usage Statistics ==> here
6. Planning a visit to your DO? Get INFOPASS appt ==>here
7. Got your EAD and dont have SSN? You can apply ==> here
8. Moved to a new address? Look here


Getting ready for your AOS interview?
1. MUST READ: Interview FAQ. Attached with this post. (Thanks Spaceman!)
2. AOS Interview Experiences: ==> here


Stuck in FBI namecheck/background check/security check?
1. FBI NameCheck Threads ==> 1, 2, 3


General Reading

1. For a list of codes related to "Class of Admission", look at attached document
2. I-485-Standard Operating Procedures(PDF) ==> here
3. Delays in issuing SSNs to aliens by the Social Security Administration ==> here
4. Last Name First, No Joking Matter! Read ==> here
5. Visa Reciprocity and Country Documents Finder ==> here
6. Are you out of status? ==> Look here

[visaapplicant]

needurhelp, excellent compilation of information.

I am adding a couple of information links for CP
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigra...ypes_1309.html - National Visa Center
http://www.immihelp.com/gc/consular/ - CP overview
http://www.cptracker.com/ - CP tracker

For CP, please refer to consulate (where parents will go for interview) websites for specific information e.g. http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/immigrant_visas.html (Mumbai consulate)

[jenimmi]

I have added Sample Birth and Marriage affidavits for anyone looking for content/format. Please see attachments for these word documents.

[jenimmi]

Good Job, needurhelp!
Yes.. we really need a thread of our own, when sponsoring parents as the processing times and the process itself seems to differ (no interview for Parents et all) between Spouse and Parents cases. I hope the Admin/ Moderator will make this a sticky.

I tried to summarize and add a few links on what forms to expect from NVC, if one has chosen the CP route for their parents. I haven't gone thro the CP process as a petitioner yet, but this is just based on my initial research. Folks who have already done CP for their Parents, please feel free to correct or add more info to this.

1) Choice of Address and Agent Form - DS3032
http://foia.state.gov/FORMS/visa/ds3032.pdf

2) IVDS230 (Immigrant Visa fee bill)

3 a) Affidavit of Support - I-864
http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/f...iles/I-864.pdf

3 b) Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration - DS230
http://foia.state.gov/FORMS/visa/ds0230.pdf

In 3 b) only DS230 - Part I needs to be mailed out by the petitioner or the beneficiary (whoever is the Agent) to NVC. Part II of DS230, would have to be taken to the Consulate at the time of interview.

This thread seems to have some useful info on CP, but don't rely on the fees mentioned herein as this is from the past.

http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=94424

For an idea about CP timeline in India :
http://www.immigrationportal.com/sho...d.php?t=201853

I've added some more to this in Post # 25 on this thread.
http://www.immigrationportal.com/sho...4&postcount=25

[Dawn123]

CP in China

For CP processing in China, here is info at Guangzhou consulate web site:

http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/gu...iv/gzfaqs.html

I heard about two parents' GC cases from a friend: one took 4 months in USA and the other took 14 months via CP.

[aabraham]

I did not find anything on how the process goes for applications that are filed in US but parents live abroad after the I-130 approval. Here is what I know.

1) File I-130 to the service center(California service center in my case)
I'm a US citizen and filed for both parents Aug 31 2005.
2) Wait for NOA - received sometime in sep 2005.
3) Wait for I-130 approval - still waiting - CA service center is processing applications filed on July 19,2005 so approx. 1.5 months to go.
4) After I-130 approval the application will be sent to NVC.
5) For paretns there is no wait time for a visa number.

Now what I need to find out is what happens in NVC?

-What is the process like?
-How many forms need to be filled out?
-What forms?
-Do I as the pettioner fill out the forms? or my parents as applicants?
-How long the process takes?
-If there is no embassy in my parents country who gets to choose which country do they go for interview?

Basically everything after I-130 approval is unknown for me at this point.
Please help and post your experience or knowledge.

Thanks

[jenimmi]

Mr.Ron Gotcher of Imminfo.com has put together what one needs to know about CP. His articles are excellent and cover most of the process.

You will find them here under the title "Consular Processing Articles"

http://www.imminfo.com/articles.html#fb

[visaapplicant]

Jenimmi and others,

Here is link to recent timeline for CP posted in "Consular Processing" forum by
jaisejames75. The turnaround time at NVC was pretty fast.

http://boards.immigrationportal.com/...98#post1354998

[Anahit]

Originally Posted by Suzy977

[COLOR=Blue]P.S. By any chance you know how much they charge for the medical visit?

It varies. I paid $120.00 for one person. If you don't find a doctor who charges less than that, use her services. Her name is Seda Panossian. Here is the link: http://uscis.gov/graphics/exec/cs/LocateSurgeon.asp.
Good luck!

[Anahit]

Originally Posted by waitinginnyc

Hi, Jenimmi or whoever knows:

Should parents have 2 separate I-130s even if they are still in marriage? Can one be the other's derivative applicant?

I need clarification on this, thank you!!!

http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/parentapp.htm#Forwhom
"Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (if you are filing for both parents, you must file a separate petition for each parent)"

[ari4u]

Originally Posted by powerman

One of my friend father filed for his unmarried daughter, now file came (pd became current) and he started follow-up, now at the stage of submitting for sponsor (I-864), all of sudden (father) he expired, can the daughter use another person (relative) as sponsor? is there any chances left for her?

Thanks and appreciate your reply.

A substitute sponsor is needed in this case. Look here...
http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/affsupp.htm#sub-spon

PLS dont multiple post. I already replied to your question on another thread.

[needurhelp]

Another Case from greencardmaze. I've already updated the timeline.
DO chicago

i130, i485, i765, i131 sent on december 4th
Rd dec6th
nd dec13th
travel document approved feb. 2nd
Fp code 1 and 3 feb. 16( 4 days after a visit to uscis office in chicago to ask why we havent received finger printing)
work authorization approved march 6th
work document received march 10th
uscis site updated on march 17 saying they received my file for processing and it takes between....etc. which was strange, since they received the file in december, not march.
march 18th, received a letter stating that on march 10th, the application was sent to california service center

[Yamini Patel]

Recieved MIL's ds-230 on March 17, 06. Sent completed ds-230 for FIL and MIL on March 20, 06.

[visaapplicant]

Originally Posted by Yamini Patel

Recieved MIL's ds-230 on March 17, 06. Sent completed ds-230 for FIL and MIL on March 20, 06.

Yamini,

Thanks for the update. I was under the impression from one your earlier posts that your MIL's I-130 was approved in end of January. But from your signature, it seems that it was approved on Jan 2nd which is a little over 3 months. That is not too bad. I do hope that VSC starts approving I-130 soon.

Based, on your MIL's timeline at NVC, I think we can have parents complete ds-230 forms with signature beforehand (on downloaded forms). Once we receive the barcodes and forms from NVC, we can attach barcodes on previously signed froms and send them back to NVC. Is that correct?

Or do parents have to sign on the physical forms received from NVC and then send it back to NVC with barcodes?

Please keep us posted with timeline at Mumbai consulate. Thanks.

[jenimmi]

Originally Posted by visaapplicant

Yamini,

Based, on your MIL's timeline at NVC, I think we can have parents complete ds-230 forms with signature beforehand (on downloaded forms). Once we receive the barcodes and forms from NVC, we can attach barcodes on previously signed froms and send them back to NVC. Is that correct?

Or do parents have to sign on the physical forms received from NVC and then send it back to NVC with barcodes?

That's what I thought previously and had also mentioned this early this year in one of my posts.. that we can cut down many weeks in processing time by asking parents to download and sign it and send it to us. But at that time, I did not realize that this is all tied to the "barcode" business. Only when I saw your post some time last month, did I realize that they probably track the Agent form, DS230 with the bar code. Does the bar code have any relevance/ significance - does any one know?

How do you plan to attach the barcode from the NVC form to the downloaded form? Do you think, it is peelable and stickable? If it is, then it should be a easy job. or should we physically cut and paste it
Anything to cut down the time from our side, we should go for it!

[aabraham]

Finally I think my parents I-130 has been approved. I'm not sure yet but when I go online the last modified date is 3/21/06 but the comments are from before. So I don't know what has been modified but I'm pretty sure it has to be the approval. The goos think is both parents case got updated together.
hoooray...

Now when INS sends the files to NVC is there an online status page to track the progress in NVC? or is there published processing times like INS had for service centers?

[jenimmi]

Originally Posted by aabraham

Finally I think my parents I-130 has been approved. I'm not sure yet but when I go online the last modified date is 3/21/06 but the comments are from before. So I don't know what has been modified but I'm pretty sure it has to be the approval. The goos think is both parents case got updated together.
hoooray...

Now when INS sends the files to NVC is there an online status page to track the progress in NVC? or is there published processing times like INS had for service centers?

Congratulations!
Hopefully it is the I-130 approval, after all the wait...
I don't think you can track the progress with NVC online. But if you look at the timeline of others doing CP, you should get an idea when to expect the I-864, Fee bill etc., which will be the next few steps, in your case.

[Anahit]

I just spoke to my caseworker in the congressman's office...
I requested the status of my parent's cases 2.5 month ago. They sent me the response from the immigration office only about my dad's case being stuck in the name check process. There was nothing for my mom. In the beginning of February I asked the caseworker to resubmit the request about my mom's case status. That did not help, either...
I called the caseworker on March 10. He contacted the immigration office while I was on the phone, and told me that they would review her file and send a response in a week. A week passed...
I called the congressman office again today. They apparently sent me a letter asking to contact them about my mom's case, but I haven't received it yet. Anyhow, the caseworker told me that they got a call about my mom's case, and they were told that her case is tied to my dad's case since they are married, and as long as my dad's case is pending for name check, hers will too.
I asked him to request it in writing. He said he couldn't assure me that I would get it in writing, but he would try.
I don't know how much longer I can take this.

[Suzy977]

Originally Posted by Anahit

. Anyhow, the caseworker told me that they got a call about my mom's case, and they were told that her case is tied to my dad's case since they are married, and as long as my dad's case is pending for name check, hers will too.

This sounds like another USCIS b.s.
Since you sent two independent I-130, and I-1485 it doesn't make any sense to have the two cases tied even though they are married
Let just say, for the sake of exemplification, if your father is going to be deported (God forbidden) they going to deport you mom too, even though her case is crystal clear with no problems whatsoever

[Anahit]

Originally Posted by Suzy977

This sounds like another USCIS b.s.
Since you sent two independent I-130, and I-1485 it doesn't make any sense to have the two cases tied even though they are married
Let just say, for the sake of exemplification, if your father is going to be deported (God forbidden) they going to deport you mom too, even though her case is crystal clear with no problems whatsoever

Yes, it does sound like it, Suzy.
O, I forgot: first the caseworker said "Your father is the main applicant, so your mom's case depends on the outcome of his case". My response was: "What are you talking about? What "main applicant"? These are 2 separate cases." He then said "Yes, but they are married, thus they are tied together".
What can I say? I am getting really tired of this CIS b.s...

[visaapplicant]

Originally Posted by aabraham

Now when INS sends the files to NVC is there an online status page to track the progress in NVC? or is there published processing times like INS had for service centers?

aabraham,

Congratulations on 130 approvals!

On NVC website
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigra...ypes_1309.html
there is info on when to expect case to arrive at NVC from CIS. Once it is at NVC, it can be tracked through automated phone system and email inquiry. Info is on the website. Keep us posted. Good luck!

Originally Posted by jenimmi

How do you plan to attach the barcode from the NVC form to the downloaded form? Do you think, it is peelable and stickable? If it is, then it should be a easy job. or should we physically cut and paste it
Anything to cut down the time from our side, we should go for it!

Jenimmi,

Yes for DS-230, I believe it is peelable. This is based on Jaisejames' answer from post
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/...d.php?t=201104

I wanted to check Yamini's approach to expedite the processing.

Originally Posted by jaisejames75

DS 3032 contain barcode ( i am not sure on the form itself or on seprate sheet), which both you and your parents recieves. SO when you send your form to them send that barcode form along with it. Make sure you take a copy and retain it with yourself.

DS230 does not have a barcode on the form itself. It have a seprate sheet of paper with barcode. In my case, my parent sent me their filled form and neccessary supporting documents and I attached the barcode form and sent it to NVC.

In today's update of processing dates, VSC's I-130 processing (for parents) did not move at all from 2 weeks ago. It is still at 12/3/05. Any insights?

[Suzy977]

Originally Posted by Anahit

Yes, it does sound like it, Suzy.
O, I forgot: first the caseworker said "Your father is the main applicant, so your mom's case depends on the outcome of his case". My response was: "What are you talking about? What "main applicant"? These are 2 separate cases." He then said "Yes, but they are married, thus they are tied together".
What can I say? I am getting really tired of this CIS b.s...

You don't understand how these things work.
It says clearly in their Top Secret instruction book: "Whoever is taller or older (assuming that your father is older than your mom) or...has more chest hair, is the main applicant"
..whatever it takes to justify their delays

[jenimmi]

Originally Posted by visaapplicant

aabraham,

On NVC website
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigra...ypes_1309.html
there is info on when to expect case to arrive at NVC from CIS. Once it is at NVC, it can be tracked through automated phone system and email inquiry. Info is on the website. Keep us posted. Good luck!

To "aabraham's" original question, I still think case progress at NVC cannot be tracked online, similar to tracking I-130. Is this correct?
Also can you please tell us "where is the info on when to expect case to arrive at NVC from CIS". A cut and paste or another sublink will help. I had looked at NVC website before about this and couldn't find this info.

Yes for DS-230, I believe it is peelable. This is based on Jaisejames' answer from post
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/...d.php?t=201104

Yes.. I remember Jaise's post regarding this. But my confusion was, when you download the DS-230, it already prints with a barcode on it. And also the DS-230 they send to you from NVC, we are not sure if the barcode is peelable, even though it is on a separate sheet. I guess until Yamini confirms, we would just assume it is peelable.

In today's update of processing dates, VSC's I-130 processing (for parents) did not move at all from 2 weeks ago. It is still at 12/3/05. Any insights?

..was wondering the same thing too. I check this almost everyday and also realized that there is no regularity in the frequency of the updates i.e. the "last updated on" date.

[Anahit]

Originally Posted by Suzy977

You don't understand how these things work.
It says clearly in their Top Secret instruction book: "Whoever is taller or older (assuming that your father is older than your mom) or...has more chest hair, is the main applicant"
..whatever it takes to justify their delays

Good point...
I better start reading about filing a lawsuit or should I say lawsuits...

[Suzy977]

Originally Posted by Anahit

Good point...
I better start reading about filing a lawsuit or should I say lawsuits...

I bet that if you file a lawsuit for only one of the parents, the cases are miraculously not tied anymore, and the other parent will be left out and with the situation unsolved

[Anahit]

Originally Posted by Suzy977

I bet that if you file a lawsuit for only one of the parents, the cases are miraculously not tied anymore, and the other parent will be left out and with the situation unsolved

No doubt about it
I remember, once I called the 800 number to inquire about their cases. My mom was home, so she gave her permission to discuss her case with the IO. When I asked about my dad's case, who wasn't present at that moment, the IO refused to give me any info, since "it is a separate case".
Now, suddenly he is the main applicant

[visaapplicant]

Originally Posted by jenimmi

To "aabraham's" original question, I still think case progress at NVC cannot be tracked online, similar to tracking I-130. Is this correct?

Yes, there will not be online tracking. Over phone or by email inquiry.

Originally Posted by jenimmi

Also can you please tell us "where is the info on when to expect case to arrive at NVC from CIS". A cut and paste or another sublink will help. I had looked at NVC website before about this and couldn't find this info.

From NVC website
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigra...ypes_1309.html
pasted below,

======================================
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why don't you have my case at NVC yet?

When you complete a petition (I-130, I-140, etc.) for an immigrant visa you send it to Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security for approval. If the CIS approves the petition they will send you a Notice of Approval (I-797) and then they will send the petition to NVC. There is a delay between when you get the Notice of Receipt and the Notice of Approval from CIS and also between when you get the Notice of Approval and when NVC receives the petition. After NVC receives the petition, we will create a case record and assign a case number. We recommend that you wait at least three weeks after you get your Notice of Approval before calling NVC if you have not heard from the Center by that time.
======================================

Originally Posted by jenimmi

But my confusion was, when you download the DS-230, it already prints with a barcode on it.

Where did you download DS-230 from? The one I downloaded justnow from NVC website
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigra...ypes_1309.html
does not have barcodes on it. Unless I am missing something.

[Yamini Patel]

Originally Posted by visaapplicant

Yamini,

Thanks for the update. I was under the impression from one your earlier posts that your MIL's I-130 was approved in end of January. But from your signature, it seems that it was approved on Jan 2nd which is a little over 3 months. That is not too bad. I do hope that VSC starts approving I-130 soon.

Based, on your MIL's timeline at NVC, I think we can have parents complete ds-230 forms with signature beforehand (on downloaded forms). Once we receive the barcodes and forms from NVC, we can attach barcodes on previously signed froms and send them back to NVC. Is that correct?


Or do parents have to sign on the physical forms received from NVC and then send it back to NVC with barcodes?



Please keep us posted with timeline at Mumbai consulate. Thanks.

Yes, you are right. It was end of January. Sorry for the confusion. I will update my signature.

Yes, Parents can download the form and sign the form and send it to you. Then you can attach the barcode sheet. Make sure, they print the form on 8 1/2 X11 paper (The standard size we have here). Or you can print the form mail them and they can mail you back the signed forms.

The barcode sheet is separate piece of paper. The barcode is not on the form.

[visaapplicant]

Yamini,

Thanks for all the information.

Originally Posted by Yamini Patel

Yes, you are right. It was end of January. Sorry for the confusion. I will update my signature.

In that case, the process moved very quickly at NVC for your MIL. Which is good and you were able to make up for some of the longer time it took at VSC. NVC says it can take upto 3 weeks to receive the approved petition from CIS and then they can create file there. In this situation, after I-130 approval, in less than 2 months you have completed all the steps i.e. DS-3032, I-864 review fee, DS-230 fee, I-864 and DS-230. This is very impressive!

Originally Posted by Yamini Patel

Yes, Parents can download the form and sign the form and send it to you. Then you can attach the barcode sheet. Make sure, they print the form on 8 1/2 X11 paper (The standard size we have here). Or you can print the form mail them and they can mail you back the signed forms.

The barcode sheet is separate piece of paper. The barcode is not on the form.

Could you please clarify a couple of things?
- On completed, signed DS-230, we are not affixing peelable barcode. Instead, the barcode sheet is the top sheet of paper, followed by completed/signed DS-230. This is how the package is sent back to NVC. Correct?
- For DS-3032 (Choice of Agent form), is barcode printed on the form received by you and parents? Or is it peelable barcode? On the form I downloaded, there is place at the top to affix barcode.
- Did you use any courier to receive the signed forms faster? Could you please share the details of courier?

Thanks.