Timeline for US Visa After I-130 Approval: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the I-130 Application Process

The I-130 Application for a Relative Petition is a crucial step towards obtaining a US visa for several categories, including family-based visas. However, the process can be lengthy and intricate, depending on the specific visa category and current demand in the immigrant visa bulletin.

After USCIS Approval: The Journey Continues

Once the USCIS approves your I-130 application, the National Visa Center (NVC) takes over. NVC coordinates all paperwork and forwards it to the appropriate American Embassy, such as Ciudad Juárez in Mexico (CDJ). This process can take between 3 to 8 weeks.

Next Steps: Submitting Required Documentation and Paying Fees

Once NVC has your case, they will issue a welcome email with the case ID number and invoice ID number. You will need to pay two fees: the immigrant visa fee and the affidavit of support fee. After paying, you will complete the DS-260 form, which is an online registration to ultimately receive your DS-212 (Immigrant Visa) and complete required civil and financial documents. This process can take approximately one week.

Review Process and Document Qualification

After you submit your documents, NVC reviews them to ensure they are 'Document Qualified' (DQ). This step takes about 6 weeks. Once deemed DQ, NVC works with the designated American Embassy to schedule your visa interview. Due to the global pandemic, many embassies are currently closed, and appointments are not being scheduled. Typically, without the pandemic, the entire process could take 4 to 6 months from I-130 approval.

Preparing for and Attending the Interview

Once an appointment is set, you will typically be notified within 2 to 1 month before the interview. The interview process is your last major step before receiving your visa. Once your visa is approved, it takes about 10 days to print. To avoid delays, you should check the status with the collection center. The entire process, from I-130 approval to the final visa, can be wrapped up within about 2 months, provided all steps and documentation are completed correctly.

Conclusion

While the pathway to obtaining a US visa after I-130 approval can be complex and time-consuming, following the outlined steps will help ensure a smoother process. Always stay informed and check the latest status of your application and visa requirements through official channels.