Tracking a visa application is a concern for many families. Because wait times for visa processing have only increased over the years, it may be difficult to determine whether an application is delayed due to missing information or some other remediable cause.
Unfortunately, the uncertainty these delays create might make it difficult to plan for your future. If you are anxiously waiting to hear where in the process your family visa is, it might be helpful to have an experienced family immigration lawyer on your side.
Because the process of obtaining a family immigrant visa involves numerous federal agencies, it is important to be aware that the effort to track a visa application may require several steps and inquiries in numerous places. A knowledgeable attorney could assist with family visa application tracking in Aurora and provide clarity about each step of the process.
In order to track the progress of a family visa application, it is helpful to know the procedures involved. Usually, the family member that is providing the connection for a family visa usually intimates this process by filing a Petition for Alien Relative with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
After USCIS approves the petition, the information is forwarded to the State Department, if the family member seeking to immigrate is outside of the U.S. If the person seeking a visa is already in the U.S., however, the prospective immigrant may file a Form I-485 Adjustment of Status with USCIS.
The applicant will then submit the required information and undergo an interview before a decision is issued. Because of the high demand and limited numbers of available visas each year, it might take multiple years to complete this process. Contact a lawyer to learn more about the application process and tracking a family visa application in Aurora.
If the visa process has reached the point where the prospective immigrant has filed an application, the procedure for checking the status of the application will vary depending on whether the application was filed in the U.S. or abroad. If filed abroad, applicants should begin inquiries about the status of their visa with the consulate or embassy where the application was submitted.
In the U.S., however, an applicant or agent may contact the Office of Visa Services at the State Department by phone. If the applicant submitted information via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC), it may be possible to track the application electronically through the Immigrant/Diversity Visa Portal. To use this electronic service, applicants will need their Immigrant Visa Case Number.
If the applicant has not yet filed a visa but has a receipt number from USCIS, the status may be tracked through the USCIS Case Status Online portal. The USCIS Case Status Online service might also be helpful in situations where an applicant is in the U.S. and has filed an Adjustment of Status Form I-485 with USCIS.
The agency offers an online case inquiry service, which allows applicants to search for missing documents, check the status on a delayed case, correct typographical errors, and even request interview accommodations. However, in situations where an applicant either has not received a response with an identifying number—or has lost track of their number—it may be helpful to call or visit the nearest USCIS field office to initiate an investigation. A seasoned family immigration attorney in Aurora could provide extra help with tracking a visa application.
Although the federal agencies involved in processing applications for family visas attempt to provide tracking information electronically, the information available is often limited. In particular, when an application has been misplaced or set aside due to a question, this circumstance might not appear in an electronic status report.
In many situations, families seek assistance from a knowledgeable immigration lawyer who is experienced with tracking family visa applications. A compassionate and proactive attorney could help with each stage of the process, as well as investigate any potential delays. To learn more about how a legal professional might help with family visa application tracking in Aurora, call today.
