It usually takes 6-8 months to process I-130 green card papers for family visas at the National Visa Center (NVC), according to the NVC’s Director Kimberly Kelly, when she spoke to immigration lawyers in October. It can be even slower than that if the applicants make lots of mistakes. The delays are caused by people sending in documents bit by bit and by sending in the wrong documents or making mistakes. Director Kelly also said the NVC has received very large amounts of cases this year which has caused longer-than usual backlogs. And that’s not the first step in your visa process – first you submit your I-130 application to USCIS (Immigration) and it only goes to the NVC if USCIS approves.
But all of this can go faster with an attorney’s help. We’re familiar with this process and can help you get through the NVC and on your way to the embassy as quickly as possible. Attorney Keir used to work at the NVC in a non-legal position and saw cases drag on for months and even years just because the applicants did not know what to do with all the forms. We can help you prepare your documents even before they get to the NVC. If you’d like to get your case to the embassy for an interview as quickly as possible, please contact us to see how we can help. If you’d like to see what’s involved, take a look at these NVC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
The same is true of an application for Adjustment of Status using Form I-485 to USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). If you’re in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa, or without a visa, and are applying to get your green card, you should carefully consider whether you’re eligible and what will be required. For example, you might need to apply for a waiver because you’re not ‘admissible’ according to the law. It may not even be a good idea to apply as that could lead to your deportation. If you are eligible, we can help you gather the evidence you’ll need. In some cases you’ll file both the I-130 and I-485 applications together for the green card. Take a look at the USCIS instructions for the Adjustment of Status application for an overview of the process. You can contact us to discuss professional representation. Like many other people, you’ll probably find it’s worth it to make sure you’re complying with all laws and avoiding problems wherever possible.
