U.s. Immigration Visa Processing Time

By Tiara

Recent reports have indicated that there is no set time frame for when U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will process applications at its National Service Center (NSC).

Some sources claim it can take anywhere from seven to eight weeks, while other sources say it could be much longer than that!

This is very concerning because people wishing to immigrate to America are being put in stressful situations due to this delay.

Applicants who already paid fees or submitted documents may feel as if they do not receive proper help or information during their wait. It also creates additional pressure on those working with immigrant clients since these individuals now have to spend more time trying to connect with them.

It is important to note that USCIS does not make applicants pay again unless the applicant is formally denied entry into the United States. However, having to start the application process all over again can be quite frustrating.

What about Electronic Application Forms?

Many immigrants apply for visas through an electronic application form called I-129F. This form was designed by USCIS so that employers do not need to send paper copies of anything.

Employers simply upload everything needed onto the site and then submit. Unfortunately, many NSCs were unprepared for this change and did not have enough computer equipment to handle the extra load.

That means some applicants had trouble uploading files or waiting hours for an empty computer to become available.

Why does it take so long?

u.s. immigration visa processing time

The process for obtaining an immigrant or non-immigrant visa can feel like slow moving chaos. There are many steps that must be completed in order, and unfortunately not all of them happen at once.

Step one is to apply for a VISA through a U.S. Consulate or Embassy. This usually takes two to three weeks depending on the number of applicants as well as time spent processing your application.

After you have received word from the consulate/embassy that you have been approved, next is to pick up your passport and travel documents (visa, plane tickets, etc.) and go to the airport!

This is where things get tricky because there are different rules for how long it will take to arrive at the destination city. Some countries require only a few days to process visas, while others may need several months or even years according to reports.

There is nothing you can do but wait and see what happens at the other end, however, most people find that getting their passports back helps pass the time.

How can I reduce the wait time?

u.s. immigration visa processing time

The next step in reducing your visa processing times is knowing what steps are being done by who, and how long they take. Visas are not issued or processed overnight so there is a process that must be completed before you can move forward.

There are several different departments within the U.S. Department of State that play an integral part in processing visas. Each department has their own set amount of time to complete work, but most get through the initial stages much faster than later ones.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) is one such division. They are in charge of reviewing all immigrant and non-immigrant visa applications. This includes making sure each applicant’s documents are authentic, as well as medical exams for those seeking entry under the Work Permit category.

Once these things have been verified, Boca sends the application off to the Division of Valuation where applicants are asked to list all assets they will bring back to the United States. These include houses, cars, bank accounts, etc. All of this information is then valued and categorized to determine if it is worth the money to...

Is my visa approved or denied?

u.s. immigration visa processing time

The next step in the process of obtaining an immigration visa is to find out if your visa has been accepted or not! This is done by checking whether you received an email stating that your application was approved, rejected, or there was an error with it. If you do not receive this notification within one week of applying for the visa, then assume that your application was denied!

It is very important to check your online accounts like Facebook and Twitter daily as well as have easy access to reliable sources of information such as government websites and forums.

If you do not see any update from the consulate after one week, then call them directly to make sure that their system automatically rejects applications due to low activity! They may also be able to tell you what could have caused the delay which can help you determine if you need to try again later.

What happens when I apply too early?

u.s. immigration visa processing time

When you apply for a visa too soon, it can backfire and hurt your chances of being granted entry into the United States.

Under current U.S immigration laws, employers are not allowed to hire foreign workers who do not have an employment-based green card or work permit. Therefore, if you must leave the country before receiving your visa, your chance of being hired in America may be limited.

By applying for a nonimmigrant (temporary) working visa earlier than needed, you could actually make things more difficult for yourself!

Too often immigrant applicants believe that processing times are set in stone, but this is simply not true. There are many factors outside of our control that determine how quickly we get our visas processed.

What happens when I apply too late?

u.s. immigration visa processing time

When you apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after your visa expires, what happens next depends on how quickly you are able to prove that you have lived in the country for at least six months since expiration.

If you can show this proof before your interview, then you will be allowed to remain in the United States until your asylum or immigration appeal is completed.

Is there anything I can do?

u.s. immigration visa processing time

The best way to deal with slow visa processing times is by being persistent! This could be in person, over the phone or via social media. If you have a limited amount of time, then it’s better to book an appointment rather than trying to call or chat someone directly for help.

By using these tools effectively, you will get through more stages faster. But don’t expect too much quickly as this takes time that may not exist at all.

At least you won’t waste your time going from stage to stage only to find out there is no progress.

How can I gain approval faster?

u.s. immigration visa processing time

The next step is to determine how long it takes for USCIS to approve or deny visa applications. It’s very difficult to find exact time frames, as each consulate has its own process and timing guidelines.

However, you can get an estimate by looking at past records. If you are applying for a new visa category (for example, employment-based visas), then you can use previous applications to get an idea of what speedier service looks like.

By studying these examples, you will be able to create your application with enough time so that it can be reviewed properly without any holdups.

What are the different types of visas?

u.s. immigration visa processing time

All countries require a visa to enter their country, but what kind of visa you need and when they can be issued is dependent on your personal situation. Visas for business or tourism are usually much simpler than immigration visas, which are typically only needed if you have a job there.

Immigration visas are sometimes referred to as work permits, since that’s most often why people apply for them. If you’re looking to live in the United States permanently, though, it’s important to understand how long it takes to process an immigrant visa. It can take months!

It’s totally normal to feel nervous while waiting for your visa appointment, but don’t worry about anyone else’s nerves — just focus on your own. You want to make sure your application is strong and everything is perfect so you don’t have to go through this again later.