Sfpals

I am a US citizen who entered the UK on an EEA family permit to live with my spouse. I've been in the UK for about 4 months now (living and working).

Does anyone know if this makes me eligible to file a I-130 at the London Field office? Or will I have to do it via the lockbox?

I have been doing some digging but haven't been able to get a clear answer. Thanks!

Noorah101

The only way to find out is to go ahead and file to London and see if they accept it. If they don't, you only lose a couple of weeks time, and they return the fee, so it's worth a shot.

Rene

ian-mstm

You'll be eligible in 2 more months. To file direct to London, you must have been living in the UK for a minimum of 6 months in some status other than a visitor.

Ian

Noorah101

There is no longer a 6-month minimum.

Rene

ian-mstm

Ah... well then, I stand corrected!

Ian

Sfpals

Thanks Rene and Ian! For some reason I thought the fee was non-refundable, but on 2nd glance, I haven't found any wording on the site that says so, so I might give it a shot thank you!

Noorah101

Usually when filed in the USA, the fee is non-refundable. But when filed in London, if they don't accept it, they don't take the payment, and they send everything back to you with a note to file in the USA.

Rene

Sfpals

Just a follow up in case anyone is asking the same thing in the future:

The EEA Family Permit made us eligible for DCF— it seemed having any non-tourist visa would have been fine. In fact, we were approved today for the CR-1 (holla!!).

I really would like to thank everyone in this forum for all of your help. And special thanks to Noorah101 and ian-mstm for your speedy replies throughout this entire process! We could not have done it without you.

Noorah101

Awesome, congratulations!

Rene