Another question, ..after my I-130 is processed does INS
let me know that it was approved and they are sending the
packet of forms to my husband in his country? And do they
send it through conventional mail or is there an option to
pay more to have them sent through DHL? My husband is in
Cuba and I have mailed him postcards over a year ago and he
has not received them, the mail system is terrible there.
Is it possible he can get this packet of forms directly
from the U.S. interest section there in Cuba instead of
waiting to receive them through the mail?
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Geniene, you're right - the mail system there does suck!
I've had similar experiences sending things to Havana
through the mail. Many letters from my girlfriend, as well
as myself, have never been received. Anyway, as for
immigration - the way I understand it is that they will
contact your husband and let him know that he will have to
pick up his forms at the U.S. Interests Office.
Coincidentally, I just send in more information for my K-1
(Fiancee) visa. They needed my girlfriend to sign form
G-325A and they wanted proof that we've met (ie photos,
letters, etc.). As I understand it, once your application
is complete, the process takes about 60 days. Previously,
it was longer but they have supposedly streamlined the
process somewhat - as it was explained to me by an attorney
with experience in Cuba. Now, let me ask you.....did you
just send in your application for the first time? Because
they may send you follow-up letters, requesting more
information - as was the case with me. I initially sent the
application back in Dec. I received a request for more
info. - but it took a while because I had to mail the form
to Cuba, then wait for it to be sent back. If that happens,
the process may take longer. However, they usually get back
to you within 60 days. BTW, has your husband begun the
process on his end? How long do you envision that taking?
I've heard different stories - but I always try to be
optimistic - as well as realistic. Please keep me posted!
Sounds like we have a little in common.
Now that I have already gotten married I wish I would have
done it the way you are doing it. I hear it is much faster
to have a fiance visa processed. I was told by an irate
INS man and another person online that it will take at
least a year before he could come here which I hate to even
imagine. Anyway, my husband recently sent me the legalized
copy of our marriage certificate through DHL since I could
not get it when I was there (not enough time) when it
arrives I will have to get it translated into English and
notarized (this is what I think anyway). The I-130 states
in the directions to send one original and one copy but the
INS people told me to only send copies of certified papers
not originals. I don't know what the translated copy will
be considered. Soon he will send me his G-325A and I will
mail it all in with the I-130, my G-325A and photos. I
don't know of anything my husband can really do on his end
yet until he is approved and gets his packet of forms to
fill out (if you know of something let me know please :)
That is when he will have more to do (physical exam, police
clearances, passport, etc.). Fortunately I live in
Washington so Nebraska INS Service Center has jurisdiction
over my state and they have the fastest processing time for
this. I don't believe I will be asked for more information
since I am sending everything that is necessary now. I
will have to show proof of a relationship later down the
road when I am interviewed by INS.
I am also trying to stay optimistic and would appreciate
any info you can give me. Curious, is your attorney friend
available to give information?
Here is where I found most of my information:
www.shusterman.com and http://ilw.com/ (look for forum
there too) and
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Congress/2806/
oops! on the title..
Interestingly enough, I have used that same website to
get info. As for the lawyer I spoke with, he is
actually a friend of a friend - but I'll try to e-mail
him and see what advice he can offer. He really just
gave me basic info. about how the process works. I
think the reason it might take so long is because when
the Cuban government knows that people are leaving the
country for good, they make them jump through as many
hoops as possible. Also, the Judeo-Christian ethic in
this country somehow suggests that there is not the
same type of urgency in bringing spouses to this
country, since the relationship has already been
"consumated." I know, it sounds a little screwy but
that's what a friend suggested to me. While your
husband is waiting for his paperwork, he can get his
passport though. That costs $50 and you don't need
any other paperwork in order to get that. Actually, I
hear it's a fairly easy process. But since he has
some time to kill, he could take care of that. One
thing I had my girlfriend do was figure out EXACTLY
what needed to be done for her exit visa. Although we
still have to wait until she gets the visa from the
U.S., it's still nice to know exactly what must be
done. I like to plan ahead and I want to make sure I
have enough money for this costly endeavor! Does he
have his birth certificate and ID in order already?
Again, it's not urgent but it is something that can be
done to get prepared. But I wouldn't worry too much
about the time factor. I've found that Cubans are
very patient, if nothing else. They understand their
system and they know it's painfully slow. While that
may not offer you much solace at the moment, you will
have a lifetime together and these worries will be
nothing more than faint memories. No te preocupas!
I just received the visa! I first sent it in December. I
had to send some supplemental info., which I did by the
first week of April. Five days later, they approved the
visa and mailed me the notice! Damn, I love this country!