I 130 Visa Next Steps

Summary

After your I-130 visa is approved, you must wait for a visa number from the National Visa Center (NVC), file Form DS-260, attend a medical examination and interview, and pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee. An approved I-130 does not grant a Social Security Number (SSN) or a green card. Adjusting status involves filing Form I-485 if you are in the U.S. The DS-260 form is for consular processing if you are outside the U.S. Processing times for I-485 and DS-260 vary. After the consular officer places the visa in your passport, pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee, travel to the U.S., and apply for a SSN. The USCIS Immigrant Fee is $220 and covers green card processing. Biometrics and background checks are part of the process.

Full Conversation

What are the next steps, after my I-* visa is approved?
After approval of your I-* visa:
- Wait for a visa number from the National Visa Center (NVC).
- File Form DS-*, apply for an Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration.
- Attend a medical examination and interview.
- If approved, pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee.
Remember, these are general steps and might vary depending on individual cases.
Does the I-* visa give you a SSN?
No, an approved I-* petition does not automatically grant you a Social Security Number (SSN). You need to apply for a SSN separately through the Social Security Administration after you arrive in the U.S. and obtain your green card.
Does the I-* visa give you a green card?
No, the approval of I-* does not grant you a green card. It's the first step in the process of a relative applying for lawful permanent residence for you. The next steps involve adjusting status or consular processing, which if approved, result in a green card.
What is adjusting status for I-* visa?
Adjusting status for I-* visa refers to the process of applying for a green card (lawful permanent residence) without leaving the U.S. It's the second step after getting I-* approval and a visa number from National Visa Center. The process involves filing Form I-* with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
When do I apply for I-* visa?
You can apply for Form I-*, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, after your I-* petition is approved and a visa number becomes available. For some categories, visa numbers are instantly available. It's advisable to check the Visa Bulletin regularly to identify when a visa number is available for you.
How long does the i485 visa take to process?
The processing time for Form I-* varies based on the nature of the case, the USCIS office, and other factors. It typically ranges from *-14 months, but you can check the current processing times on the official USCIS website.
can I move to the US once my I-* visa is approved?
An approved I-* petition does not grant you the right to live in the U.S. You must wait until a visa number is available, apply for an immigrant visa (DS-*), and get it approved before moving. After this, you can apply for a green card once in the U.S.
What is a DS-* visa?
The DS-*, or the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, is not a visa. It's a form you fill out online when applying for an immigrant visa following the approval of your I-* petition. This form provides information to the U.S. Department of State about your background and eligibility for a visa.
Does the DS-* visa get me a SSN?
No, the DS-* does not grant you a Social Security Number (SSN). After you arrive in the U.S. and obtain your green card, you can apply for a SSN separately through the Social Security Administration.
is there a way to get an SSN while awaiting approval for I130?
Unfortunately, you typically cannot obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) while awaiting approval for an I-* petition. An SSN is usually only available to individuals who are authorized to work in the U.S. or have valid non-work reasons. Are you currently authorized to work in the U.S.?
Do I apply for a DS-* visa or an i485 visa once my i130 is approved?
After your I-* is approved, whether you apply for DS-* or I-* depends on your location. If you're outside the U.S., you'll file DS-* for consular processing. If you're in the U.S. legally, you can file I-* to adjust your status to a permanent resident.
How long does the DS-* take to process?
The processing time for the DS-* form varies, but it typically takes between *-6 months. However, this can vary based on individual circumstances and the backlog at the processing center. Please check the U.S. Department of State's website for the most current processing times.
I'm a Canadian, my husband is American. We applied for I-* visa. We are awaiting approval. After approval, what happens next?
After approval of your I-* visa:
- You'll receive a visa number from the National Visa Center (NVC).
- You'll need to file Form DS-* for consular processing.
- Attend a medical examination and interview.
- If approved, pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee.
Remember, these are general steps and might vary depending on individual cases.
After I130 visa interview, what happens?
After your I-* visa interview, if approved:
- You will receive a decision from the consular officer at the end of the interview.
- If granted, the immigrant visa is placed in your passport.
- You pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee.
- You can then travel to the U.S. and become a lawful permanent resident upon admission.
Does the visa granted from the consular officer, also have a SSN?
No, the visa granted by the consular officer does not include a Social Security Number (SSN). Once you're in the U.S, you will need to apply separately for a SSN through the Social Security Administration.
What do I need to apply for SSN once my I130 visa is approved?
To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) once your I-* visa is approved and you're in the U.S., you need:
- Evidence of immigration status, such as Form I-* (Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine Readable Immigrant Visa) with your unexpired foreign passport.
- Age proof, typically your birth certificate.
- Identity proof, such as your passport or a U.S. driver's license.
Always use original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency.
what is a I-*
Form I-*, also known as the Green Card or Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It serves as proof that its holder is a lawful permanent resident who is authorized to live and work in the U.S.
After the consular puts the approved visa in my passport, what are the next steps?
After the consular officer places the approved visa in your passport:
- Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online.
- When you arrive in the U.S., you will receive your Green Card in mail.
- Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) through the Social Security Administration.
- Ensure to check your Green Card details for any errors.

Remember, these are general steps and might vary depending on individual cases.
after the consular puts the approved I130 visa in my passport, what are the next steps?
After the consular officer places the approved I-* visa in your passport:
- Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online.
- Upon arrival in the U.S., your Green Card will be mailed to you.
- Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) through the Social Security Administration.
- Check your Green Card details for any errors.
Please remember, these are general steps and might vary depending on individual cases.
What do you mean by Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online?
The USCIS Immigrant Fee is a fee that you pay to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after receiving your immigrant visa overseas and before traveling to the U.S. This fee covers the cost of processing your immigrant visa packet and producing your Green Card. The fee must be paid online through the USCIS website.
what is the cost of the immigrant fee?
The USCIS Immigrant Fee is currently $*. This fee is subject to change, so it's advisable to check the USCIS website for the most current fee information.
the I130 visa fee, what does the cost cover?
The I-* visa fee covers the cost of processing the I-* petition, which is the first step in the family-based immigration process. This fee goes towards the review of your application, checking your eligibility, and the administrative costs associated with this process.
After my I130 visa interview, what happens?
After your I-* visa interview:
- The consular officer will make a decision at the end of the interview.
- If approved, your immigrant visa will be placed in your passport.
- You'll have to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee.
- Finally, you can travel to the U.S. and become a lawful permanent resident upon admission.
Does the USCIS immigrant fee aid in getting my Green Card, after approval?
Yes, the USCIS Immigrant Fee is a necessary step in receiving your Green Card. This fee covers the cost of processing your immigrant visa packet and producing your Green Card. After paying this fee, USCIS will mail your Green Card to you.
So after I get approved after the interview, do I cross to the US right away?
After your visa interview, if approved, you can travel to the U.S. However, you must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee first. Once in the U.S., you will become a lawful permanent resident upon admission. Please note that traveling immediately is subject to other factors such as flights availability and personal circumstances.
Once my I130 visa is approved, do I have a certain amount of time cross into the US?
After receiving your approved I-* visa, you typically have up to six months to enter the U.S. However, the exact validity period will be mentioned on your visa stamp. It's recommended to travel within this period to avoid any complications.
How to I pay the immigrant fee after approval of I130 visa?
After your I-* visa approval, you can pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online through the USCIS ELIS system. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the USCIS website and access the USCIS ELIS system.
- Create an online account if you don't have one yet.
- Follow the prompts to pay the $* immigrant fee.
- Use a valid credit or debit card or provide your U.S. bank routing and checking account numbers to pay the fee.
- After paying, you'll receive a receipt number. Keep this safe as proof of payment.
Remember, your green card will not be issued until the fee is paid.
USCIS ELIS system, is it connect to my personal I130 visa receipt number?
Yes, the USCIS ELIS system is connected to your personal I-* visa receipt number. When you pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee, you'll need to provide your A-Number (Alien Registration Number) and DOS Case ID, both of which can be found on your visa stamp or the I-* approval notice.
Once the immigrant Fee is paid, how long does it take to receive my green card?
Once the USCIS Immigrant Fee is paid, it generally takes about 120 days to receive your Green Card. However, this time frame can vary based on factors such as processing times at USCIS.
Once I receive my green card, then I can apply for SSN?
Yes, once you receive your Green Card, you can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) at your local Social Security Administration office. You'll need to show your Green Card and other identification documents. Remember, it's important to apply for your SSN as it is required for work, to receive Social Security benefits and services, and more.
Does the Immigrant fee also process a SSN?
No, the USCIS Immigrant Fee does not include the processing for a Social Security Number (SSN). After you arrive in the U.S. and receive your Green Card, you'll need to apply separately for a SSN through the Social Security Administration.
Because I was approved for an i130 visa, does the green card process occur faster?
Approval of an I-* visa petition is the first step in the family-based green card process. It does not necessarily expedite the overall process. The subsequent steps, including filing for Adjustment of Status (Form I-*) or undergoing consular processing, waiting for a visa number, and attending an interview, still have to be completed. The total time can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and USCIS processing times.
During the i130 visa process, when do I do the biometrics and back ground check?
During the I-* visa process, the biometrics (fingerprinting, photograph, and signature) are typically conducted when you file Form I-*, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, or Form DS-* for consular processing. The background check is completed during the processing of your application.
Do I have to wait to be notified to get biometrics done?
Yes, you will need to wait for a notification from USCIS to get your biometrics done. Once notified, you will be given an appointment date, time, and location for your biometrics collection. It's important to attend this appointment to avoid any delays in your application process.
When do I get notified in the I130 process as to when the biometrics should be done?
After filing your I-* petition, you will submit a Form I-* or DS-*. USCIS will then send you a notice for your biometrics appointment usually within *-* weeks. However, these timelines can vary based on individual cases and USCIS processing times.
When do I submit the i485 or ds260
After your I-* is approved, you can submit Form I-* or DS-*. If you're in the U.S. legally, you would submit Form I-* to adjust your status. If you're outside the U.S., you would submit Form DS-* for consular processing. Remember to check visa availability before submitting.
once I submit ds-*, when do I get notification for bio metrics
After you submit the DS-* form, USCIS will send you a notice with the date, time, and location for your biometrics appointment. The timing may vary but it's typically within a few weeks after the submission of your form. It's essential to attend this appointment to avoid delays in your application process.
Once the DS-* form is submitted, how long to get my appointment for biometrics?
After submitting the DS-* form, it typically takes a few weeks to receive the notice for your biometrics appointment. However, the timeframe can vary based on USCIS processing times and your individual case. Always ensure to attend the appointment to avoid delays.
What happens after I go to my biometrics appointment for my I130?
After your biometrics appointment for your I-*:
- USCIS will process your biometric data for background checks.
- USCIS may request additional evidence or schedule an interview.
- Upon approval, you'll receive a decision in the mail.
- Then, you can proceed to the next step, like filing I-* or DS-*.
Remember, the process can vary based on individual cases.