Back a year or two ago, this used to take four to six weeks. Unfortunately, they are scrutinizing petitions more so now than they have in the past. The National Visa Center is also backlogged with cases, so you’re probably looking at about four to eight weeks right now, maybe even a little bit longer.
Read More »Why Do Spousal Visas Take Longer for Permanent Residents Than Citizens?
"Why does the CR1 take longer for a green card sponsor?" The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sets the number of immigrant visas that may be issued to aliens seeking to become lawful permanent residents (get a Green Card) each year. Immigrant visas for the family-sponsored immigrant preference categories are numerically limited, so they are […]
Read More »Expediting a Spousal Visa (Form I-130) While in the Military
Make progress today We’re just about to send our 130 Petition. My husband is in active duty military. We want to expedite the process as he will be leaving for his next duty station in the U.S. on December. Do we need to put the expedite letter in the petition package when we send it, […]
Read More »Trump’s New Spousal Visa Health Insurance Requirement Starts November 3
President Trump issued a proclamation, requiring all immigrant visa applicants to show proof that they will be covered by health insurance. This situation is subject to change quickly, but at the time of this recording, this is the best information we have.
Read More »The NVC is Taking Forever! What Can I Do?
From our experience, once you get the approval you should be getting the instructions after you receive the NOA2, which is a Notice of Action indicating approval of your application. But if you have not heard anything, we highly recommend you call the National Visa Center or check your status online.
Read More »Does a Child of a Green Card Holder Qualify For Derivative Beneficiary? (CR1/CR2 Visa)
You will have to file another petition for the child. You will need to file a new I-130 and all the same documents that you filed for your husband, but you can petition for the child. Be forewarned that when a green card holder petitions for a spouse or a step-child, the spousal visa processing time takes substantially longer than if you were a US citizen petitioning for a spouse or step-child.
Read More »CR1/IR1 Spousal Visa Medical Exam – What Should I Expect?
All applicants preparing to enter the US on a CR1 spousal visa are required to complete a medical exam before the consular officer will approve it. This medical exam is at the end of the process. We recommend completing the medical exam at least five to ten business days prior to the interview to ensure that the medical exam results are going to get over to the U.S.
Read More »Sponsoring an Alien – Work History & Using Assets
I'm curious about being a sponsor. How long do I need to be at my job for proof of income, and how do I use my home to sponsor my spouse? If I want to bring a foreign individual to the USA, be that a spouse or a child or a parent, or a brother, […]
Read More »After USCIS Approval, How Long Until NVC Phase?
Prior to 2018, it used to take about four to six weeks to get the invoice from the NVC. The invoice is going to be a request for payment for your affidavit support and for your DS-260 visa application. When you receive that invoice, you’ll pay those fees online, and then along with that letter, you’ll also receive what’s called the NVC Checklist.
Read More »Notarized 3rd Party Affidavit: Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage?
In the spousal visa process, the USCIS is trying to determine that you have a bona fide marriage. And, if you have just recently married most people understandably don’t have many of the typical bona fides, such as a joint checking account, a joint lease or mortgage, joint health insurance, etc.
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