How long does it really take for an adult above 21 years to be petitioned as immigrant by a US citizen parent?

I read here that it usually takes 15-20 years. Is it really that long? If so, why? The spouse and children below 21 y.o. take less than that... Is the 15-20 years based on the stay of the US citizen parent in the US, or it's from the time the petition papers are submitted for approval? I'm confused. PLS HELP. thank you..

JoeC

For unmarried adults (>21) from most countries it is about 7 years. For Mexico it is currently about 17 years, for Philippines about 16 years.

For married adults from most countries it is about 9 years. For Mexico it is currently taking about 17 years, for Philippines about 19 years.

These times are approximately from the time the paperwork is approved by USCIS until a visa becomes available. It takes that long because the total number of visa's are limited, and there is also a limit for each country.

pianojangee

Unmarried Sons and Daughters of US Citizen is Family Based 1st Preference and Married Sons and Daughters of US Citizen is Family Based 3rd Preference.

As of February, Department of State is accepting green card application from the FB1 people who have Priority Date (from their I-130 approval notice) either on or before July 08, 2002 (Oct 08, 1992 for Mexico Citizen and July 15, 1993 for Philippines citizen). Therefore, it is about 7 years (17 years for Mexican, 16 years for Philippines) of wait.

For FB 3 people who have PD either on or before August 01, 2000 (Oct 08, 1992 for Mexico Citizen and June 01, 1991 for Philippines Citizen). Therefore, 9 years of wait (17 years for Mexican, 18 years for Philippines).

http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4417.html

And the waiting years are after you get your I-130 approval with Priory Date on the notice.

It is because there is quota system meaning there are only set number of immigrant visa available for each preference and for each country. If there are so many applications from one particular country, then you have to wait in a long line.

yes that is right. why? cuz a lot more people wants to come here than the number of visa the US gave out. and since 21yrs old is considered as an adult the US gave more visa for the minor and the spouse than the adult children. 77%for the spouse and minor to 23% for the adult children. and it is base on when the papers is approved.

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