I-130

[zedd 0]

I wonder if anyone can shed some light.

I'm over 21, married and have 2 children(u.k nationals). My parents are now American Citizens and have applied for us to come over to the states via an I-130. They first applied November 2003, This went through the Nebraska office. Then the paper work was moved to california, where they put us back a year giving a receipt date of Oct 2004.

I have been looking at the USCIS regularly and the date they have been dealing with for the I-130 has been stuck on April 2001 for ages now.

How long does this generally take? I appreciate it doesn't happen over night but if they are only on 2001.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can anyone give me any advice.

[zedd 0]

does any one have an pointers at all. thanks

[Kez/JWolf 6]

You are in for a long wait.... going by the timeline from USCIS about another 6 years.... sorry

Kez

[zedd 0]

so your telling me it will have taken nearly 10yrs by the time it comes through,even with parents who are citizens. is this correct?

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Yep it will take that long if not longer.... read here for the most upto date info http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin...letin_3111.html

Hope this helps

Kez

[zedd 0]

thanks for the link, i find that incredible. So most people have been waiting up to 10yrs to get into the states on an I-130!

Does any one know if you can apply through a different route or is this it?

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Work visa is one option... student visa is the other.....

Kez

[Boiler 45,402]

2012/13 seems a reasonable guess.

Presumably they are Dual Citizens so could move back your way anytime.

Pulaski's Ways: How to Live and Work in the USA

Written by BE Members

Tuesday, 26 July 2005

The following is a non-legal guide to living and working in the USA by people who have already done it. It is not a definitive or even detailed guide but nevertheless shows the common starting points for the beginning of your journey. Note that it is not legal advice; if you require such advice, AILA is a suitable place for a referral to a specialist US immigration lawyer. Official US government information is available at USCIS . Unlike many other popular destinations, the US does not provide specific retirement or skilled trade visas. Please research fully before you ask questions on the forum.

Simplified, there are 3 categories of US visas: immigrant, dual-intent, and non-immigrant.

Immigrant: You will be a permanent US resident (Green Card). You may under certain conditions subsequently apply for naturalization as a US citizen.

Dual-intent: You may eventually apply under certain conditions to convert to permanent resident status (Green Card). You may under certain conditions subsequently apply for naturalization as a US citizen.

Non-immigrant: You may not convert to permanent resident status and must leave the US when the reason for your stay no longer exists.

Family

Marriage or engagement in anticipation of marriage to a US citizen. Immigrant or dual-intent visa. Search for: K1, K3, direct consular filing (DCF), I-130 petition, adjustment of status (AOS).

You have a close relative (mother, father, brother, sister and no further) who is an US citizen who would sponsor you; approx. time for visa is 6 months to 12 years. Immigrant visa. Search for I-130 petition, adjustment of status (AOS).

Work

You have skills that are in short supply, e.g. scientific or medical training. A degree is normally a must. Or you have superior specialist skills with at least 12 years experience. Recruitment agents will not take you seriously if you are not already in the US. Writing for jobs is often futile, and US employers have no idea what many foreign qualifications mean, so it may pay you to get your qualification translated into a US equivalent. You need a job offer before you can get the visa. Your employer will be your sponsor at a cost to them of $5k and up. They may also have to prove to the Dept of Labor there is no American to do the job if the position is to be permanent. Your dependent spouse may not work. Dual-intent visa. Search in forums for: H1

You have a multinational employer who is willing to transfer you, but even then the employer has to make a good case for you. Your dependent spouse may work. Dual-intent visa. Search for: L1, intra-company transfer.

You have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts (including the television and motion picture industry), education, business, or athletics. Your dependent spouse may not work. Dual-intent visa. Search for: O1.

You are a foreign member of a religious denomination having a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the US and entering the US to carry on the activities of a minister or religious worker as a profession, occupation or vocation Search for: R1.

Money

You own or buy business as a national of a qualifying Treaty country. The business must have a minimum value of around $150k (the more, the better) bearing in mind you will need somewhere to live and with any startup business you will need at least 2 years living money as back up. So a figure of $350k would be a nearer minimum. Your dependent spouse may work. Non-immigrant visa Search for: E2.

You are an "investor" i.e. you have at least US $1m in assets to bring with you, or half that in certain areas. Your background will be investigated to the hilt. Dual-intent visa Search for: EB5.

Misc (unusual for UK citizens)

You participate in, are selected, and successfully process the Diversity Visa lottery. Note that persons born in certain countries including the UK (but excluding N. Ireland) are generally not eligible to apply unless your spouse or both parents were born abroad. Immigrant visa. Search for: diversity visa (DV).

You are in a position to claim refugee status/political asylum.

You assist US law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes and terrorist activities such as money laundering and organized crime. Search for: S visa.

You get a member of Congress to sponsor a private bill with legislation that applies just to you.

[zedd 0]

thanks for the info, very useful.

[carslo 0]

My father applied July 29, 2002 and I am still waiting. Unfortunately, he has died so I will not be able to immigrate through his sponsership , and my mother has passed too.

[chili74 0]

Thanks for this information and carslo, so sorry about your parents.

Does anyone know how it would take to get the visa if I, USC, file an I-130 for my child (according to the definition in the guides she is my CHILD) + under 21 + not married, therefore, she does not have to wait for a visa number, right? How long are those taking?

Edited February 23, 2007 by chili74

[Kez/JWolf 6]

They are taking about the same time as a K3 check out the timelines for the country you are from..

Kez

[chili74 0]

OK, thanks.