If the I-130 is approved and I move to another country, do I have to start over?

When it comes to family-based immigration processes, it is natural to have questions about how changes in your personal situation, such as moving to another country, may affect the progress of your case. I will explain a bit more about how this scenario works when the I-130 petition has already been approved.

In general, if your I-130 petition, which proves the family relationship, has already been approved and you decide to move to another country, this usually does not mean you will have to restart the process from scratch. The approval of the I-130 serves as a fundamental and definitive step that attests to the validity of your relationship with the petitioner. What may happen is that, instead of going directly through adjustment of status if you were residing in the United States, the process may continue through consular processing in the country where you are now living. This change means that your case will be forwarded to the American embassy or consulate responsible for your new area of residence.

It is essential to keep the United States Immigration Department informed about any changes in your address or personal situation so that all future communications and instructions are properly received. Additionally, it is very important to strictly follow immigration laws and be aware of any changes in policies and requirements applicable to your situation. Seeking accurate information from official sources and, if necessary, consulting trusted professionals in the field can help avoid misunderstandings or unnecessary complications.

It is also worth reinforcing the importance of being cautious about offers promising miraculous results or simplified solutions. The immigration process is governed by specific laws and regulations, and there are no ”magic” paths to approval. Therefore, consulting qualified specialists or accessing official information will help ensure you do not fall for scams or marketing campaigns that promise unrealistic results.

In summary, while the approval of the I-130 is a positive milestone in your process, moving to another country generally requires redirecting the procedure, such as consular processing, and not restarting the process. Maintaining regularity and transparency with the American authorities, as well as always staying well informed, are essential attitudes for success in your immigration journey.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.