PPT I-130 Family Based Chart Flow Version 4[57] – Read-Only
If you are the spouse or family member of a U.S. citizen and currently living outside the United States, and you are facing exceptional circumstances or an emergency situation that requires obtaining a green card quickly, you may request expedited processing of your I-130 case with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
It’s important to note that expedited processing at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate is generally reserved for cases involving genuine emergencies or exceptional circumstances. Common reasons for expediting include medical emergencies, imminent danger, or humanitarian situations. Mere convenience or desire for faster processing is unlikely to be considered grounds for an expedite request.
If you need to expedite your I-130 case, act promptly and provide accurate and compelling information to support your request. It is important to Communication with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate should be clear and concise and as an immigration lawyer, we can help you navigate the process and increase the likelihood of a successful expedite request.
Here’s a general overview of the processing steps:
Step 1: Initial Case
- Petitioner (U.S. citizen) decides to sponsor spouse /or family member(s) who are outside the U.S. for the immigration process You may contact SW Law Group, P.C. (SWLG).
At SWLG, we offer an initial consultations so, we can discuss and determine your situation (evidence may be required depending on the specific situation), eligible for expediting I-130 Petition, the I-130 expedited process, and any concerns or questions you may have with our experienced immigration lawyer.
- Document collection and petition preparation.
Once you retain our services, We will immediately provide you with a customized checklist based on your specific circumstances, and we can guide you through the entire process to ensure that all the required documents are submitted accurately and on time.
Step 2: Request to file I-130 Petition with Embassy
Processed by U.S. Embassy abord
- Contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate
In order to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your I-130 case is being processed, SWLG will generally email the U.S. Embassy/Consulate requesting that the I-130 be adjudicated at the Embassy instead of USCIS. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will review the request and make a decision based on the information provided.
- Request Accepted/Unaccepted
Once the request to review I-130 at the embassy instead of USCIS is accepted to proceed with the expedited case by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, you will be notified and scheduled an interview appointment date.
Unfortunately, if the request is unaccepted, it means that the U.S. Embassy or Consulate has determined that the situation does not meet their criteria for expedited processing. You may consider exploring other immigration options that may be available to you based on your circumstances. SWLG can help you explore alternative pathways for immigration further.
Step 3: I-130 Interview
Processed by U.S. Embassy abroad
- Prepared I-130 Interview Package
It’s essential to follow any instructions the U.S. Embassy/Consulate provide and submit any requested documents promptly. The embassy or consulate may require additional evidence or documentation to support your expedite request, and it’s crucial to comply with their requirements. SWLG will assist you in preparing the Interview Package for I-130 expedite and carefully review all the evidence and documentation you provide to ensure that it is relevant, credible, and supports your case effectively before you can go to interview as they scheduled.
- Petitioner/ Beneficiary(s) go to interview at the U.S. Embassy abroad with I-130 Interview Package.
During the interview, a consular officer will assess your eligibility for the immigrant visa.
- Visa Approval/or Denial.
If your interview goes well that means the visa application is approved, and you will be received approval notification email from the U.S. Embassy to proceed the next step which is filling out Immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-260 Form) online.
If your visa application is denied it means that the consular officer has determined that you do not meet the eligibility requirements for the immigrant visa (green card) based on the document and evidence you provided. If this happens, you have a few options to consider. The specific options can vary depending on the reasons for the denial, the country where the interview took place, and other factors. Each case is unique, and the best course of action will depend on your individual circumstances. Please contact us for individualized advice and assistance in effectively navigating the complex immigration process.
Step 4: Submit Immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-260 Form)
- Filling out DS-260 Form, schedule Embassy Interview and preparing interview package
DS-260 Form is a critical part of the immigrant visa application process, and it’s essential to provide accurate and truthful information. SWLG will help you complete the DS-260 form accurately and ensure that all necessary information is provided. SWLG will review your responses to ensure there are no errors or omissions as well as help you gather the necessary paperwork, such as civil documents, identification, and other relevant evidence.
SWLG will also help you schedule interview with the U.S. Embassy and prepare you for the interview, providing guidance on what to expect and how to respond to the consular officer’s questions.
Step 5: Attend Immigrant Visa Interview
Processed by U.S. Embassy abord
- Petitioner/ Beneficiary(s) go to interview at the U.S. Embassy abroad with DS-260 Package.
During the interview, a consular officer will review your application, ask you questions about your background, family, employment, and other relevant information to determine your eligibility for the immigrant visa. The officer will also verify the information you provided in the DS-260 form and supporting documents..
After the interview, the consular officer will make a decision on your immigrant visa application. If approved, you will be issued an immigrant visa in your passport, which allows you to travel to the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
If your visa application is denied, the consular officer will typically provide you with a written explanation of the reason for the denial. Depending on the reason for the denial, you may have options to address the issue and reapply in the future. Please contact us for review and/or reapply your case, identify potential solutions, and guide you through the process to maximize your chances of obtaining an immigrant visa.
- Entering the United States.
Once you enter the United States on the immigrant visa, you will become a lawful permanent resident. The physical green card will be mailed to your U.S. address a few weeks after your arrival.