Castrum 1415

Yes, in the light of all the illegal immigration and tolerance for open borders, I should be ever so impressed that the U.S. educated legal immigrants have to wait 20 years to get their turn. It really is a miracle, isn’t it?

@appleblossom @milimelo Thank you guys, that’s helpful and puts things into perspective. He has no kids. I guess it’s a waiting game at this point.

Thank you everyone for your replies, this is the reassurance (if that’s a good word) I needed to hear. @appleblossom @OldUser Yes, it is distressing that the movement is even slower over the last couple of years. It’s like nothing is being done for this category at all. @Redro Thank you for the words of encouragement as well. Yes, he does play visa lottery, but it is a lottery, right? 🙂 Most won’t get it. @SalishSea I’m well aware of VISA bulletin and processing times. The reason I asked this question is because it is frustrating for multiple reasons. For starters, were you aware that years ago, California Service Center claimed it was processing I-130 form for this category (US citizens applying for siblings) with the date listed as 6/2011? Then it started going backwards…it was 5/2011, then 2010, 2009. Last I remember was May 2009 several years ago before they redesigned their site. I did not know it was possible to go back in time? Take a hypothetical scenario: Jim applies for brother and the case is randomly moved to Nebraska Service Center in 2020. Because this center is not swamped, his brother’s I-130 is processed in 2023. Meanwhile, Bob applied for his brother in 2013, the case is assigned to California Service Center where it sits for 10+ years. He cannot even get the reply on the inquiry as to why the case is outside of processing times (that the website now allows). He is now wondering if the form’s been lost somewhere. Yes, both beneficiaries will ultimately have to wait years for visa to be available, but one at least has been approved in a timely fashion even though his brother applied years after Bob’s? I don’t think this is fair, but maybe that’s just me.

Hi everyone, I’m looking for an honest advice. I am a naturalized U.S. citizen who applied for my brother in early October 2013 (Rest of the World category, we are European). I have received a receipt number but to this date the form has not been processed. It was assigned to California Service Center which according to USCIS website currently processes 80% of these forms within 49 months. His form is now 126 months old. As of last year, the USCIS website allows the inquiries being posted if the case is outside of processing time. However, I have not even received a reply to this inquiry sent last October and instead I received a referral number for the inquiry which is “not yet assigned for processing”. So not only is the I-130 form is long overdue, but I cannot even get the timely reply to the inquiry as to why it is taking so long. I am well aware of monthly Visa Bulletin and that this F4 category cutoff date is currently sitting at 6/8/2007 with table B indicating March of 2008. However, in the light of not being able to receive any information as to the status of I-130, what would be your recommendation at this time. Do I attempt to call the USCIS center (I’ve done this in the past when my own green card process was taking place and remember it to be not really helpful, i.e., being told the same information I can see online on “My Case Status” page)? Do I hire immigration lawyer simply to inquire as to when his I-130 will finally be processed and can they really help with this? Is it worth it? Do I continue sitting and waiting and hope that the form is not lost somewhere and pray it does not get further delayed once F4 category gets closer to October 2013? Any other thoughts/recommendations? Things to consider - he is currently back in the home country but was still in the US on the student visa when I initially applied in 2013. He left the country in good order and did not overstay his visa. I don’t even know if that makes any difference (where he was at the time of application vs now) but figured to add for clarification. Thank you in advance for any thoughtful reply.