epiphanyuk

Hello all.

We completed form G-1145 with the I-130 back in June but we're worried it has been ignored or overlooked as we had to call USCIS to finally get a receipt number. However, now we need an access code (which would have been shown on the acceptance letter had we received it) to add the case to the online account. Needless to say, they've not been helpful beyond giving us the receipt number, which is useless by itself. All we need is an acceptance letter with an online access code to be sent to the address/email we provided on form G-1145.

Has anyone else had extended delays receiving updates either via mail or email? I know covid has caused a backlog, but four months to receive an acceptance letter seems excessive. No communication whatsoever from USCIS in four months since the application was sent. It's very concerning, because we need to be able to receive updates to know what to do next. What if they throw out the case because we haven't been able to respond to notices? I'm just at a loss at what to do. We can't continue to sit and wait for an acceptance letter or notice of action because it might never come.

I guess the ultimate question is, at what point do you give up and re-file the petition?

civilservant

You have the receipt number - which means they did in fact receive the case, so no, a new petition would be irrelevant.

When you spoke to them previously were you not able to request a copy of the letter? It seems that this would be a fairly basic request, even for the misinformation line. Rather than them 'ignoring' you (since you have acknowledged that they provided you with a receipt number) it seems likely that the notice got lost in the mail.

I would advise you to call again, and also to relax a little but. Immigration to the US is a long and painful process, and you are literally right at the start. Long way to go yet.

epiphanyuk

Thank you. Forgive my poor choice of words I was very emotional that day!

The guy at USCIS said somebody will call within 30 days. Not ideal but I'll take his word for it... for now. I understand this is the start of the process, but 4 months without any communication about even receiving the application - not the part I expected to wait so long for.

As for the letter being lost in the mail, they were supposed to also send out an email and text (as per G-1145). I can understand mail being lost, but there should also be e-notification. Not sure what happened to those (checked junk mail).

Rete

Imagine the days when nothing was posted on the WWW by the USCIS (f/k/a INS) and you only had snail mail to get information from. Yes, it was only 24 years ago but many of today's filers would have been bald and livid to have been clients of US immigration back in the late 1990's.

epiphanyuk

I respect that, honestly. But it's about current expectations. The question is, is it expected to wait over four months for that first letter, text or email simply stating they have received the application? Coronavirus has obviously caused a backlog, but some people are saying they get their acceptance letter/notification within 8 weeks. We need to know they are able to communicate so we can progress the application once NOA2 is ready. Hearing absolutely nothing in four months before the very first hurdle is just excessive.

epiphanyuk

Ok, so we got the text today. Phew. At least they are communicating.

Sorry for the freak out!

Dave2726

It took 11 months for my I130 to be approved. Some people on this forum were approved much quicker. There is no rhyme or reason. It just is what it is. They will get to you when they get to you. At the NVC stage you have more control over how long the whole thing takes and they seem to take a lot less time processing things (still of the order weeks and months though). Don't fret, you'll get sorted. Good luck!

epiphanyuk

Sorry to read that Dave. Do you mean 11 months for the very first letter?? I feel a lot better now we've had the text and expecting the acceptance letter in the mail shortly.

The way I see it is, if the whole process does take longer than expected, it'll give me more time to save money for the big move and we can hit the ground running.

Dave2726

It took 11 months from i130 submission online and notice of receipt to approval (of i130 only). I think you've got a good plan. Save and save some more! Also prep for i864 and your medical in terms of vax records. Good luck!

zzrmark

I submitted an I-130 that was received on 20th March 2020, it was accepted 28th February 2021, not expecting to hear from anyone about it for another six (ish) years... and I thought 18 months for a marriage related visa was slow...