Consular Processing

Hello my fellow dreamers!

I’ve been lurking around for a few years now and decided I would create this thread as there aren’t any dedicated to those of us who are going through consular processing instead of AOS.

My short bio: My family moved from Tepic Nayarit, MX to Grand Rapids, Michigan when I was 7 years old. I’ve pretty much lived all my life here—I finished HS, undergrad, and will be completing my Master’s degree this upcoming May from Michigan State University. This would not have been possible without the Obama administration which allowed me to obtain my DACA work permit when I was 17 years old. DACA is a privilege and has truly been life changing. In addition to this, my partner has really motivated and empowered me throughout my academic journey. This past summer my partner (a naturalized USA citizen) and I finally got married and self filed I-130 on October 9th. Per USCIS app we’ve been waiting 95 days! Thanks to receiving DACA before my 18th birthday, I did not accrue any unlawful status and will not need to file a waiver, BUT since I am an EWI I have to follow consular processing and not AOS. As such, I still have to wait for I-130 approval, then NVC, and finally interview in Ciudad Juárez. I am hoping this process does not take too long as my dad signed his voluntary departure this past week and will be leaving the country in May. I would like to visit him this upcoming December! Keeping my fingers crossed ��

I think this blog is a great platform to support one another and am thankful for everyone who contributes to it. If anyone has any questions about my process please ask. Otherwise I’d love to hear where others are at.

I am not sure how long I-130s are currently taking to get approved, but expect AT LEAST another year after that to get an appointment in Juarez.

The US embassy in Juarez is incredibly busy!

Good luck!

Thanks! And yes--Ive been hearing that the US embassy in Juarez is backlogged. Why do you think that is?

I'm sorry, but I don't think you'll be able to go see your dad this year. You're looking at about a two year wait (possibly more). Have patience and don't get in trouble. Good luck!

Central Americans seeking asylum in the US have been told to wait in Mexico.

Because more people are applying and also the process is slower than before.

My I-130 took about a year back in 2018, I think it is taking longer now. My process is similar to yours except I have to do I-601A waiver.

I also live in Michigan and completing my Master degree this May too! What are you studying?

Dang, guess I’ll have to be patient.

It’s an M.A. in Student Affairs Administration. It’s a degree for individuals wishing to work at colleges/universities administratively. How about you? What part of MI you at? Also are you still waiting for your waiver/interview date?

I'm doing Engineering. I live in the Detroit area. Luckily my 601A has been approved, waiting for my DS260 now and after that, I will get an interview date. I actually know someone who had to go through the same process (EWI, DACA before 18 ), if you like, you can PM me your phone number and I can share his experience with you.

My whole process took about three years from I130 to Interview in Juarez. I did need a 601a, this is how long each step took me:

I130- 11 months
601a- 9 months
NVC Document acceptance- 3 months
Schedule Consular Appointment- 11 months

After interview it took 3 days to receive my visa and one month to receive my permanent resident card (received it last week actually!)

I wish you the best of luck in your process!

Dont meant to derail the thread, but curious for those of you studying in Michigan with DACA. Since there's no FAFSA/student loans/student aid; did you all get full scholarships, private loans, or pay out of pocket/cash ?