I-130 for wife takes so long that I am about to get my citizenship!

jzlthssw

Registered Users (C)
Hello all,
I filed an I-130 for my wife when I was a green card holder in 2001, and it is still pending. Now I'm elegiable for citizenship (hope will take oath in 4 months). Can anyone kindly help me with 2 questions?

1. Even after I get my citizenship, will I still have to wait for the approval of the I-130 before I can file for my wife's GC?
2. What are the steps for a citizen to get GC for wife? How long roughly will the process take? (we are in Baltimore - Vermont Center)

Thanks and may God bless you.
 
No, You don't have to wait after you become a Citizen. Your case is similar to mine. Once you get your naturalization certificate, You can file form I-485 -Adjustment of Status which includes several forms. You have to attach a copy of you Naturalization Certificate, copy of I-130 that you file for your wife and a copy of the receipt notice of form I-130.
 
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Thanks for the quick reply!

amishah said:
No, You don't have to wait after you become a Citizen. Your case is similar to mine. Once you get your naturalization certificate, You can file form I-485 -Adjustment of Status which includes several forms. You have to attach a copy of you Naturalization Certificate, copy of I-130 that you file for your wife and a copy of the receipt notice of form I-130.

So, even if I-130 is still pending I can file 485 for my wife as soon as I get my naturalization certificate? Do you have any idea how long this process is (untill she gets her conditional GC) in VSC? Appreciate your help!
 
jzlthssw said:
So, even if I-130 is still pending I can file 485 for my wife as soon as I get my naturalization certificate? Do you have any idea how long this process is (untill she gets her conditional GC) in VSC? Appreciate your help!
Yes even if your I-130 is pending you can file I-485 only thing is you have to show them that now you are a USC and you have I-130 pending and for that as I mentioned you have to submit those documents. I am going to do the same. I don't know how long it takes but with I-485, you can file for EAD and Advance Parol which will give her rights to work and travel.
 
I have done that myself. Please click on the link below and see your options:

http://boards.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=89831&page=12&pp=15

Go to my post with the title below:
Title: I-130 is pending but now US citizen, what's next?

Sorry, I can't tell you the timeline. Things are changes at the end of the year and early next year regarding AOS application processing center. You may get a rough idea by asking someone who been through the same thing from your area.

Good luck.
Kenmw
 
Thanks so much.

kenmw said:
I have done that myself. Please click on the link below and see your options:

http://boards.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=89831&page=12&pp=15

Go to my post with the title below:
Title: I-130 is pending but now US citizen, what's next?

Sorry, I can't tell you the timeline. Things are changes at the end of the year and early next year regarding AOS application processing center. You may get a rough idea by asking someone who been through the same thing from your area.

Good luck.
Kenmw

The only difference for my case is that I filed I-130 for my wife in 2001 at TSC and have since moved many times and now am in VSC..
 
jzlthssw said:
The only difference for my case is that I filed I-130 for my wife in 2001 at TSC and have since moved many times and now am in VSC..

That is not a problem. On form I-485 there is a question saying "have you ever before applied for Permenant resident status before?" Here you have to answer yes and have to write Form I-130, your Receipt # for I-130, Service Center where you filed and Status as "in Process".
You will submit your I-485 at your Local DO and they will get your I-130 status and fees that you have paid for I-130 from the Service center where you filed.
Though I am not sure whether you have to file Change of Address form or not :confused: Anyone here can answer ths please???
 
Notifying the homeland Security of your (or all aliens) address changes in our responsibility. They could fine you if you failed to notify them iwithin 120 (read the address change form) days of your move.

I would recommend to do so, since it will do no harm to your case.
kenmw
 
I130 strange e-mail from USCIS

OK, I followed some of your advice, and wrote TSC to upgrade my wife's I130 (which we filed when we were in texas 4 years ago and still pending) after I became citizen. I also filed I485 with the Chicago lockbox shortly after (i'm in VSC now - Newark to be precise), and attached my I130 receipt.

Today, an e-mail came and my online I130 status changed to the following. Can someone tell me what this means and what I can expect?

Application Type: I130 , IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN

Current Status:

On April 15, 2005, we responded to your request for more information concerning your case. If you have not received our response within 30 days from this date, please call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision or advice from USCIS within the projected processing time frame*, please contact the National Customer Service Center.

National Customer Service Center (800) 375-5283.

*The projected processing time frame can be found on the receipt notice that you received from the USCIS.
 
Looks like they need something from you. No one can tell until you receive the letter. Maybe some missing documents or forms.

Good luck.
 
I had send/call USCIS to change my address on my husband's I130 filed by me. I received a change of address confirmation from them in few days. Now that day onwards when I am trying to look up online status on my case, it gives me same message as it showing up for tobecitizen. But I never called them inquiring about it. So may be whenever they do some kind of update on your case, this kind of message shows up. BTW tobecitizen, did you receive any kind of letter since then fron USCIS?
 
finally got the letter

tobecitizen said:
What is the USCIS is looking or seeking from you??
it's a letter recognizing change of adress. Never heard anything about my upgrade request for my wife's I130. It's been 4 weeks since I sent my request to TSC.
 
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