Hi, my sister is married to a US citizen and has been since 2002, and has a full 10 year greencard. She is planning on getting her citizenship this year, then sponsoring my mum in for a greencard. I understand that after that, my mum can sponsor me in as I am an unmarried son. Is this correct? If my sister gets her citizenship soon, how long would it be before I could move to the US? Thanks.

You can find out about the different paths here and at the 'visa bulletin' from travel.state.gov.
Green Card Through Family

Think years, not months.

How old are you? I'm guessing around 15+ years, it would probably be quicker (not by a whole lot) to have your sister sponsor you.

No, Im a bit older than 15, im in my 30's!

1. Your sister becomes a USC and sponsors your mom.

2. In just under a year, your mom gets her visa and goes to the USA, and becomes a US PR.

3. Your mom, as a US PR, can file an I-130 towards you (Family category 2B). They are currently processing petitions in that category filed back in July 2002 (about 8 years ago).

4. About 5.5 to 6 years after your mom's arrival in the USA, she can become a USC. She can then change the category of your I-130 to Family category 1. They are currently processing petitions in that category filed back in September 2004 (about 6 years ago).

5. In the meantime, when your sister becomes a USC, she can also file an I-130 for you (you can have 2 petitions in the system at the same time, one from your sister and one from your mom). When your sister files, you'll be in Family category 4. They are currently working on petitions filed back in May 2000 (about 10 years ago).

6. So....these are the paths open to you....whenever your priority date becomes current in whichever category comes up first, it will take under a year for you to get your immigrant visa.

7. If you get married while your mom is still a US PR (before she becomes a USC), you lose your eligibility to immigrate based on that I-130. You would then have to wait until your mom becomes a USC and files a new I-130 so you can be in a new category (Family 3). They are currently working on petitions filed back in June 2001 (about 9 years ago).

See here for the Visa Bulletin: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/frv...etin_4805.html

Rene

wow, that is much longer than i thought!

So you didn't even want to look it up on your own.

Sorry, I spoon-fed this time.

Rene

Yep. I'd plan on immigrating in 10 years, and then be pleasantly surprised if it happens any sooner.

Rene

You misunderstand... he wasn't guessing your age, he was telling you how long it may take: 15+ years.

Ian

Had a look at the wiki up top for the other routes to the US?

Might be easier/quicker if you fit one of those...

Somtimes that's what people need

Oh and bobbarker12345, it doesn't hurt to try out the Green Card Lottery each year as well, if eligible. Winning chance is slim but it's free and you can enter the lottery even while waiting for those 5 or 10 or 15+ years for your family-sponsored Green Card.

AS said earlier, I meant how long it would take. Figure you may get to do it for your 50th birthday.

I think it may be better for me to try to emigrate over to Canada. My sister and mum will be living in Massachusetts which isnt far off East Canada and we will all be on the same side of the ocean at least. Then maybe after 15 yrs I can move to USA. Thanks for your help!

Easier but still not easy.