Published: January 20, 2014
Things look to be slowing just a bit when it comes to U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Citizenship and Immigration Services’ processing of Chicago based applicants for Adjustment of Status (I-485, green card application for individuals living in the U.S.) premised on marriage to a U.S. citizen, or other family or employment immigrant category with current visa availability. In recent months, applicants for adjustment of status are facing longer wait times for interview scheduling in Chicago, now at approximately 6 months. Applicants for naturalization (N-400) on the other hand, continue to see quicker processing, with interviews being scheduled within approximately 90 days of application filing, and an oath ceremony, for approved cases, scheduled some 2-4 weeks following interview.
The current timeline for family based, I-485 adjustment of status applicants — assuming the paperwork and all supporting documentation is prepared and filed correctly is as follows:
1. Dept. of Homeland Security/Citizenship and Immigration Services issues receipts within approximately 5 to 10 days of filing date,
2. Biometrics (fingerprint) appointment scheduled within approximately 10-15 days of filing date,
3. Employment Authorization Document (and for those eligible, Advance Parole Travel Document) issued within 45 to 90 days of filing date, and
4. Interview (at least at CIS Chicago) scheduled within 6 months of filing.
PUBLISHED January 20, 2014– “IMMIGRATION LAW FORUM” Copyright © 2014, By Law Offices of Richard Hanus, Chicago, Illinois