|
Several factors influence how long the process may take. Immediate relative visas are not numerically limited by statute, so workload permitting, the post may begin processing the approved petition upon receipt. Preference visas are numerically limited; therefore, the post must wait until the priority date on the petition is available before starting to process the case. The major reason for lengthy waits, ie. Priority dates that are months or several years earlier than your inquiry, is that fact that each year many more people apply for immigrant visas that can be satisfied under the annual numerical limit set by law for preference cases. Certain categories, such as the family fourth preference, are heavily oversubscribed.
|
