Aldineone, The problem is getting the visa number. Probably you have already researched on this matter. But let me add some details. Once you apply for I-130, you will have to wait to get a visa number. Usually spouse and unmarried children of Permanent Residents (i.e. greencard holder) have a quota of 226,000 per year (not exactly sure but its close to that i guess). However, the number of petitions are far more than the quota available. This being the case, the waiting time is been longer than expected. According to the visa bulletin for May 2011, they are currently processing petitions for June 2007. That means the current processing time is almost 4 years. Once the visa number becomes available then only your application process for I-130 moves forward. The processing time for I-130 is around 4 months I guess. Please see the following link from the DHS. Hope it helps. http://www.travel.state.gov/vi...

Kancha Dai · May 9, 2011 8:24 PM

I have posted my pravachan on this topic already.  Refer to the visa bulletin.  Look for your priority date in the I-130 receipt/approval notice and compare it against latest visa bulletin.  There is no specified timeframe.  Visa Bulletin is issued by State Department every month. Last edited: 09-May-11 08:30 PM

nagarikreport · May 9, 2011 8:29 PM

 thank you ! Kanchha Dai and Nagarikreport!!

aldineone · May 9, 2011 10:52 PM

Nagarikreport If son(Citizen) sponsored parents ,can they (Parents) bring their child who is under 21 with them as their derivatives?

Crimson_sky · May 9, 2011 11:36 PM

 very good discussion, what about  if the spouse or the beneficiary is already in the usa , say in f1 visa? do they still need to wait for visa?

kalopani · May 10, 2011 12:27 AM

 Kalopani, As far as I know, beneficiaries of Greencard holders who are already in the US have to wait the same amount of time as well. The only difference is beneficiaries who are outside the US may have hard time getting a visa (non-immigrant visa such as tourist visa or f1 visa) as they have petitioned for immigrant visa (done by the greencard holder on their behalf). The dual intent may give some problem. May be some one else can shed more light on this matter as I am not an expert. Please visit the following website as it provides discussions of people facing the real problem. http://www.visajourney.com/for...

Kancha Dai · May 10, 2011 10:03 AM

crimson-sky Certainly.  Just file I-130/I-1485 concurrently for all the applicants, if they are in US.  If they are abroad, file I-130 for applicants. Once it is approved, it will be forwarded to NVC for further processing.

nagarikreport · May 10, 2011 9:35 PM