cruise1

Our US Citizen son has submitted application for my wife and I to become permanent residents in the US. Our application received by USCIS on December 19th 2016 . Our status currently shows that (after they recently asked for a couple of documents from us) they are recommencing work on our case and will mail us a decision. We have been in the system for almost six months now ...any ideas how long from here to end of process ? Also do we need medicals and if so (we are both in our 50's) where do we get these done ? I also read somewhere about requiring police reports for us both ? Where do we start with those when required ?

Is next step an interview...we live in Scotland and believe there is still US Consulate in Belfast ?

Any other help or advice you can give would be great...it is so very frustrating going through this process !!!

Thanks so much for any comments
Keith

Noorah101

Research IR-1 Immigrant visa. The whole process can take up to a year, especially since you've had to return some further documents.

After the I-130s get approved (your son filed one for each of you, right?), the case moves to NVC to collect the affidavit of support and civil documents. This includes police reports. Do a search on ACRO certificates.

After NVC collects all this and fees are paid, the case moves to London and you'll need to book medical exams. I don't know if there are authorized doctors near to you, or if you have to go to Knightsbridge in London. Check the US Embassy website.

Rene

Noorah101

I googled US Embassy in Belfast. They do not process immigrant visas, so you'll need to go to Knightsbridge doctors in London for the medicals, and have your visa interview at the US Embassy in London.

Rene

cruise1

Thanks Rene...really appreciate your help. Bit disappointed regarding the "up to a year " bit but if that turns out to be worst case then little we can do about that ! Had a look at obtaining police reports and costs and Knightsbridge Doctors medical requirements...looks like we should be looking to get a few immunisation records or injections arranged too ! Keith

ian-mstm

All else being equal, you can expect to get your visas about 12 months after the I-130 petitions were received by US immigration.


You will both need medicals, yes. They will be done at Knightsbridge in London.


ACRO certificates are valid for one year for US immigration purposes but only 6 months for medical purposes. You must take the certificate to the medical... so don't get them too soon. You must provide a police certificate for every country in which you've lived for more than 1 year since age 16.


No. The next step is the medical. After the medical you have your interview.


You will interview at the US Consular Service in London.


Can you please be more specific about what you find frustrating? It's definitely time consuming - but the process is very straight forward.

Ian

cruise1

Thanks for that Ian ....I appreciate your help . My frustration is borne out of not being in control of the process and not knowing exactly how long it will take to complete...nothing you ,I or anyone else can do about that though right ?

Rete

I see that Noorah has been responding to your questions, along with Ian. Both are well versed so you can't go wrong with their advice and knowledge.

I have one question, however, and I have highlighted what has prompted the question. Why is USCIS getting in touch with you personally and why would they be sending the decision to you rather than to the petitioner who is your son?

Rete

PS I know that others will be along to ask if you are retired or will be looking for employment in the US. The reason for that is that high costs of healthcare insurance and living in the US. Often healthcare is provided and/or supplemented by an employer if you are working full time. It does help greatly in reducing your out of pocket expenses.

cruise1

Thanks...they are dealing with our son but we have access to our application numbers which are visible on the Case Tracker app for USCIS ... I was quoting what it states on there .

cruise1

Thanks again Rete...we are both intending to work full time . Not quite ready to retire just yet .

scrubbedexpat099

Some States like CA allow you to go straight on to Medicaid.

Twinkle0927

Actually it's IR-5 they need to Google. Although the process, time scale, fees and outcome are the same we don't want to confuse him.

cruise1

Thanks for the info .Keith

cruise1

Thanks for that ...appreciate it . Keith

civilservant

Medicaid in itself is not all covering when it comes to healthcare - and if and when you gain employment (of it's full time) you are likely to get health coverage through the employer.

What are both of your fields of work?