As an immigration law firm, we understand that family petition processing times can be a source of confusion and frustration for many people. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the truths and myths behind family petition processing times and provide tips to help you navigate the process.
Truths:
- Processing times can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the type of family relationship, the current backlog of applications, and the workload of the USCIS office processing the application. The USCIS has different processing times for different types of family petitions. For example, the processing time for a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, can vary depending on whether the petitioner is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, and the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary.
- USCIS processing times can change over time due to changes in immigration policies, an increase in the number of petitions filed, or other factors outside of your control.
- Any mistakes or omissions in your application can lead to delays in processing, and in some cases, even denial of your petition. It’s important to ensure that your application is completed correctly and without errors. This is where an experienced immigration attorney can be especially helpful. An attorney can help ensure that your application is completed correctly and can also provide guidance on what to do if there are any issues or delays in processing your petition.
Myths:
- Paying extra fees will expedite the processing time. Unfortunately, this is not the case for family petitions. While there are some USCIS forms that offer premium processing for an additional fee, family petitions are not one of them. Paying additional fees for family petitions will not speed up the processing time. The USCIS processes family petitions on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of whether the petitioner pays additional fees. USCIS fees for family petitions cover the costs of processing your application and are not designed to expedite the process.
Tips:
- Pay attention to the estimated processing times provided by the USCIS. These processing times are updated on a regular basis and can be found on the USCIS website. While these processing times can provide a general idea of how long your application may take to process, it’s important to remember that they are only estimates. Processing times can vary widely based on several factors, as we mentioned earlier.
- Ensure that your application is completed correctly and without errors. This is where an experienced immigration attorney can be especially helpful. An attorney can help ensure that your application is completed correctly and can also provide guidance on what to do if there are any issues or delays in processing your petition.
- Be patient and plan ahead. Family petition processing times can be unpredictable and frustrating. It’s important to plan ahead and anticipate that the process may take longer than expected. This is especially true if you are trying to bring a family member to the U.S. to be with you as soon as possible. Plan ahead and be prepared for possible delays, so that you can avoid unnecessary stress and disappointment.
