Next Steps After I-130 Approval: Consular Processing vs Adjustment of Status

Learn what to do next after I-130 approval: consular processing or adjustment of status to secure your visa.

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Once your I-130 is approved, the next step is consular processing or adjustment of status, depending on your location. If abroad, you'll proceed with consular processing, waiting for the National Visa Center (NVC) to contact you for visa fee payments and document submissions. If in the U.S., you may file Form I-485 for adjustment of status. Ensure all paperwork is complete and responsive to requests from NVC or USCIS to avoid delays. This phase is crucial to securing your immigrant visa or green card efficiently.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What happens after the I-130 petition is approved? After the I-130 petition is approved, your next step will be either consular processing or adjustment of status, depending on whether you are in or outside the U.S.
  2. How do I prepare for consular processing after my I-130 approval? To prepare for consular processing after I-130 approval, wait for the National Visa Center (NVC) to reach out for visa fee payments and document submissions.
  3. What is Form I-485 and when should I file it? Form I-485 is used to apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident in the U.S. You should file it if you are currently in the U.S. after your I-130 approval.
  4. How can I avoid delays after my I-130 approval? To avoid delays after I-130 approval, ensure that all your paperwork is complete and promptly respond to any requests from the National Visa Center or USCIS.

Watch More

To further assist you in navigating the immigration process, we recommend exploring related content that delves deeper into essential forms, common challenges faced during processing, and tips for successful visa applications. Expanding your knowledge in these areas can greatly enhance your understanding and preparedness.

  1. What to Expect After I-130 Petition Approval: A Step-by-Step Guide Learn what happens once your I-130 petition is approved, including next steps with the NVC and the visa process.
  2. Understanding Visa Processing Wait Times After I-130 Approval Find out how long you may wait for visa processing after I-130 approval. Learn about factors affecting timelines.
  3. How Long Will I Wait for My Interview After I-130 Approval? Find out the typical wait time for your interview after I-130 approval, factors affecting timing, and tips to speed up the process.
  4. Understanding the Wait Time After I-130 Approval: What You Need to Know Learn how long to wait after your I-130 approval based on visa category and country of origin.
  5. What to Do When Your I-130 is Approved but Priority Date is Not Current Learn the necessary steps to take after I-130 approval while waiting for your priority date to become current.
  6. Understanding I-130 Approval: When Will Your Interview Be Scheduled? Learn how long after I-130 approval you'll wait for your interview, based on factors like USCIS workload and visa category.
  7. Next Steps After Your USCIS Case Approval: What to Do Now Learn the important steps to take after your USCIS case is approved to ensure a smooth immigration process.
  8. How to Expedite Your I-130 Approval: Essential Tips Learn how to get your I-130 approved faster with expert tips on documentation and expedited processing.
  9. What to Expect After Your Immigration Case is Approved Discover the crucial next steps following the approval of your immigration case and ensure compliance with immigration requirements.
  10. Traveling After I-130 Approval: What You Need to Know Learn if you can travel after I-130 approval and the necessary documentation required.