7 Next Steps After Form I-130 Approval

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7 Next Steps After Form I-130 Approval

The moment of truth has finally arrived: your Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, has been approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Congratulations! This is a significant milestone in the journey to bring your loved one to the United States. But, what happens next? In this article, we will outline the 7 next steps you need to take after receiving the good news.

The approval of Form I-130 is a crucial step in the family-based immigration process. It signifies that USCIS has verified your relationship with your relative and has deemed you eligible to sponsor their immigration to the United States. However, there are still several steps you need to take before your loved one can join you in the United States.

Step 1: Receive the Approval Notice

The first step after approval is to receive the official approval notice from USCIS. This notice, also known as Form I-797, will confirm that your petition has been approved and will provide you with important information about the next steps in the process.

Understanding the National Visa Center (NVC) Process

Once your petition is approved, it will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. The NVC is responsible for collecting additional documentation, conducting background checks, and scheduling interviews at U.S. embassies or consulates abroad.

Step 2: Pay the NVC Fees

The NVC will send you an invoice for the required fees, which currently include the immigrant visa application fee and the affidavit of support fee. You will need to pay these fees online through the NVC's website.

Step 3: Submit the Required Documents

The NVC will also request that you submit additional documentation, including:

• A completed Form DS-260, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration
• A copy of your relative's passport
• A copy of your relative's birth certificate
• A copy of your relative's marriage certificate (if applicable)
• A copy of your relative's divorce or death certificate (if applicable)

Step 4: Complete the Affidavit of Support

As the sponsor, you will need to complete an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate that you can financially support your relative. This form requires you to provide information about your income, employment, and assets.

Step 5: Attend the Medical Examination

Your relative will need to undergo a medical examination by a designated civil surgeon. This examination is required to ensure that your relative does not have any health issues that would make them inadmissible to the United States.

Preparing for the Visa Interview

Once the NVC has completed its processing, your relative will be scheduled for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Step 6: Attend the Visa Interview

The visa interview is a crucial step in the process. Your relative will need to bring all required documents and answer questions from a consular officer about their background, immigration history, and relationship with you.

Step 7: Enter the United States and Receive a Green Card

If your relative's visa application is approved, they will be issued an immigrant visa, which will allow them to enter the United States. Once they arrive in the United States, they will be required to register with USCIS and receive a green card, which will grant them permanent resident status.

In conclusion, the approval of Form I-130 is just the beginning of the journey to bring your loved one to the United States. By following these 7 next steps, you can ensure a smooth and successful process.

We hope this article has been informative and helpful. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, please don't hesitate to comment below. Share this article with others who may be going through a similar experience.