How long for step son to get visa?

[floridadave 195]

Just trying to get an idea of how long it will take for my wife's son to immigrate to the U.S. to join her (us).

I am the USC, my wife is CR-1 permanent resident. She is in the process of filing an I-130 for her 21 year old son. If the I-130 is approved, about how long can we expect to wait for him to receive his visa to join us?

I-130 seems easy, fill out form completely, include copy of her son's birth certificate with certified translation, copy of wife's green card front and back, and check for $420. Sounds too simple. Am I missing anything?

Thanks for your help.

Edited February 6, 2013 by floridadave

[Hypnos 6,578]

If your wife files for her son then it will be under the F2B category, for which there is currently an 8 year wait.

If the stepparent - stepchild relationship was created before the child turned 18 (i.e. you married your wife when her son was under 18 years of age) then you could petition your stepson under the F1 category, which would entail approximately a 7 year wait, shaving a year off the process (assuming no retrogression).

[floridadave 195]

If your wife files for her son then it will be under the F2B category, for which there is currently an 8 year wait.

If the stepparent - stepchild relationship was created before the child turned 18 (i.e. you married your wife when her son was under 18 years of age) then you could petition your stepson under the F1 category, which would entail approximately a 7 year wait, shaving a year off the process (assuming no retrogression).

He was 20 when we his mom and I married. Guess we'll have an extra year to wait. Thanks for replying.