Thursday, April 25, 2013

Immediate Relative Final Visa Processing

The National Visa Center (NVC) will contact the petitioner and beneficiary once a visa number becomes available. The current waiting time for a sibling (F4) visa is ten or more years, with Philippine nationals suffering the longest wait -24 years as of Apr. 2013. Remember to continually check the Visa Bulletin for current processing dates.

If you are the petitioner and would like to save time during your immediate relative's final visa processing, I'd recommend suggesting to your relative that they appoint you as their agent, since you would normally be in the US. Doing so may move the final visa processing stage faster as you eliminate the waiting time and any delays resultant from overseas mail.

Importantly, remember to ensure the NVC has your current mailing address at all times.


Monday, April 15, 2013

New Identification Rules

The USIS has added a layer of customer identification verification. Beginning May 6, 2013, applicants requiring service at USCIS application field offices must submit biometric data and photographs. This is in addition to the current government issued identification requirement.

Need to find a USCIS field office? You may find the Field Office locator useful.


Citizenship Application - Travel and Tax Matters

Naturalization is the legal process by which foreign born nationals (who are legal permanent residents) may gain citizenship if they meet al...