How Long Does It Take for Parents to Reunite with Their Children in the United States?

When it comes to immigrating to the United States, many people are concerned about the process and the timeline. One common question that arises is, How long does it take for parents to reunite with their children in the United States? This article aims to shed light on this topic and provide some insights into the timeline and procedures involved in the process.

As per the current immigration laws and regulations in the United States, parents who wish to join their children living in the country need to go through the process of consular processing. This process involves various steps, including filing a petition, document submission, and attending an interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate in their home country.

The first step in the process is for the child who is already residing in the United States to file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of their parent. This petition establishes the familial relationship between the child and the parent and is the initial step in reuniting the family.

Once the Form I-130 is approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. At this stage, the parent will be required to submit various supporting documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and police clearance certificates.

After the NVC completes the document review and confirms the availability of an immigrant visa, the parent will be scheduled for an interview at the US embassy or consulate in their home country. It is essential for the parent to attend this interview as it is a crucial step in the process.

The duration of time it takes for parents to reunite with their children in the United States varies depending on several factors, including the embassy or consulate's workload, the completeness of the documentation, and any additional administrative processing required. On average, the process can take anywhere from several months to a year.

However, it is important to note that certain circumstances might expedite the process. For example, if the parent falls under the Immediate Relative category, which includes parents of US citizens, the process may be quicker compared to other family-based immigration categories.

In some cases, parents may also be eligible for the K-3 visa, which allows them to enter the United States more quickly while their immigrant visa is being processed. This option is available for spouses of US citizens, but it is essential to consult with an immigration attorney to determine eligibility and the best course of action.