Dhurmus, here is what i would like to suggest you. If you have well paid job and your dependent is your spouse then apply for fiance visa. it takes 1 year a max. Any way give it a try no matter how strong you are financially.
As you heard the rumor, dependent immediately getting visa was true. last year only. because of large volume of applicant. NVC (National Visa Counsil) head back to same old process. Which takes heck amont of time (3-5 year). you can visit
www.travel.usa.gov where you can see lots of information.
Right now July 28, 08 priority date is current date. Any applicant applied before this date, NVC is working on them. Tkre