Obtaining approval of Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative is one of the key milestones in the immigration process. It unveils the process of the next moves in order to bring your loved one to the United States of America. Perhaps they are in the United States or perhaps they are in another country. It is crucial to know what comes next. Alright, let’s define the most crucial questions you may have.
What to do after Form I-130 is approved
It takes several months, after which USCIS will send you a notice that your Form I-130 has been approved. In case your relative resides in another country other than the United States the case will be taken to the National Visa Center (NVC). If they are in the U.S, whether to apply for adjustment of status or to go through consular processing is the next step to be taken.
All the applicants apart from those in the USA will have their case numbers allocated to them by the NVC together with instructions. This encompasses paying fees and completing the form I-130 Petition alien relative and the DS-260 form called the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. It is important that you be responsive to emails, at least to the official ones to check for updates.
If your relative is in the U.S., you will proceed filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
How to apply for Adjustment of Status if you are in the US
Adjustment of Status (AOS) enables Your Relative to get an LPR status without having to travel out of the country. Here’s how to navigate this process:
- Check Eligibility: This should guarantee that the beneficiary is in the United States legally and meets all the requirements of the program.
- File form I-485: Complete and file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) which is used in changing of immigration status to that of a permanent resident. A general rule of thumb to reduce delay as much as possible is to lay as much accuracy as possible from the onset of the project.
- Gather Required Documents: Most organizations require that you submit some documents Among the documents include:
- Form I-130 approval notice.
- Passport and current visas.
- The form with the name Arrival/Departure Record, also known as I-94.
- Two passport-style photos.
- The results of the medical examination are contained in form I-693.
- Evidence of a relationship with the U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
- Pay the Fees: The costs associated with a Form I-485 depend on the applicant’s age and other factors of his/her personal situation. Make sure you submit your application with the right fee.
- Attend the Biometrics Appointment: Applicants are required to submit the application and after some time, USCIS will reschedule for fingerprint and photos to be taken. Attendance is crucial.
- Prepare for the Interview: Nevertheless, most applicants will have to go for an interview at a local office of the USCIS. Check your application and gather whatever proof to support your case that you can.
How to apply for consular processing if you are outside the US
For the beneficiaries residing in other countries they then undergo consular processing. Here’s how to handle this process:
- Wait for NVC Notification: Once the I-130 has been approved you will be contacted with a case number and additional directives from NVC.
- Pay Fees and Submit DS-260: When the applicant receives a case number, they should then process the immigrant visa processing fees and fill the Form DS-260.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Gather different documents in order of, barring the letters:
- Your passport, which must be valid for at least six months of the intended stay.
- Birth certificate.
- Police certificates.
- Medical examination results.
- Affidavit of Support or the specific form used for it is I-864.
- Attend the Visa Interview: The last stage is the Visa interview that takes place at a US embassy or a consulate. They should not lie, and they should be ready or willing to answer questions about their relationship and their background.
- Receive Your Visa: When granted you get a stamp on your passport through which you can be able to travel to the United States of America.
It is often not easy to know what to do after Form I-130 has been approved, however it’s important to be informed and organized. No matter whether you are changing your status within the territory of the United States or opting for consular processing, it is important to know what steps to take in order to reach the desired end. The receipt of a green card. Be as organized as you can, keep record of the documents and when necessary, seek legal help. All the best on this great adventure that lies ahead of you!
