Ives

I've sent off the I-130 petition for my British husband's Green Card. I'm leaving for the US in 3 weeks, and don't know if I'll have received a receipt for the petition, but I've seen this on here :DCF London - US Immigration Wiki - VisaJourney

Does the petitioner need to remain in the UK until the visa is received?

Nope! The petitioner can make plans to leave as soon as they've received a receipt (NOA1) for their petition. This is actually quite common, as the petitioner often needs to leave ahead of their spouse, in order to meet the domicile requirements.

If I haven't received it before I leave is that ok??

civilservant

Immigrant Visa

Yes that's perfectly fine. Indeed, you may never receive a receipt. Some don't. The problem of course comes if it's returned to you for any reason, and then you aren't a UK resident.

Have they taken the payment from your card?

Oh, and to add, don't trust Visa Journey. I learnt first hand with going through the process that much of it is total dross. Here you'll get quick accurate answers, and a side order of acerbic attitude

BunnyGirl

Umm, our wiki instead:

DCF I-130 Filed In London : British Expat Wiki



I think the reason it's suggested you wait until the petition is accepted is in case there's any problems with it and it needs to be resubmitted. You then wouldn't be in the country to do this. Safer to make sure everything's ok before leaving.

Ives

Thanks! They haven't taken the money yet....hopefully soon!