HOW LONG to become an immigrant? CP vs AOS

lawrence01 · Apr 8, 2006

I am an RN from the Philippines. I passed all the exams (CGFNS Qualifying exam, IELTS, and NCLEX for California). Im still waiting for my CGFNS certificate. Got some few questions. I hope to know some of our ideas or opinions.
1. How long will it take to become an immigrant in the US using Consular Processing route?
2. How long will it take to become an immigrant in the US using the Adjustment of Status route? just wondering because i have a tourist visa.
3. Which is faster or better in applying for the VisaScreen, through mail or Online?
Any ideas would be highly appreciated. Ihanks everyone!!!

Traditionally, (from what I'm hearing) its the AOS.

There are changes in the CP route right now w/c MAY make it faster but no guarantees. I'm sure there are more posters there that has more experience on this. I'm curious too.

suzanne4, RN · Apr 8, 2006

Never, ever use the on-line services. If you click a button to quick, you cannot correct a mistake and it will take forever to correct. One digit or letter wrong, and it can take you months to straighten it out.

You still have to send everything to them...................

AOS is faster. Period. For one thing, you are already in the US for that proces to even be started and can also keep on top of things. You also know the attorney and can follow up with them as well.

With consular processing, you are held hostage by the agency that hires you, in most cases. You are 100% dependent upon them filling out documents correctly, and getting the information to the attorney, and the attorney submitting them is a timely fashion. As well as paying the bill for the visa.

Most of the time with the AOS, you pay the fees yourself, and then get reimbursed by the facility in terms of relocation bonus, etc., when you sign a contract with them.

kingof heart · May 31, 2006

hi suzanne4, in this case, the one with a tourist visa is seems to be more favorable in applying to the US rather than those enroute to consular processing. it's me KING!

lawrence01 · May 31, 2006

hi suzanne4, in this case, the one with a tourist visa is seems to be more favorable in applying to the US rather than those enroute to consular processing. it's me KING!

If you have the money.

jonRNMD · May 31, 2006

i agree.....if you have money and relatives for your lodging in the US

kingof heart · Jun 1, 2006

yap! I am 100% percent agreeable to you lawrence01 & jonRNMD, the financial aspect & the accomodation has to be considered if ever we have an idea of doing an AOS route. But one thing, if we are still in the Phil. is the aspect on how to obtain a tourist visa. Everything should be in a proper planning starting from financial resources, contact attorney in the States, complete accomodation (should inform relatives or friends about ur complete accomodation because we can not sometimes rely on our friends or relatives in the States.) & of course, beforehand, we have to complete all the necessary documents needed there. I still favored enroute to CP if we wish to have with us our family. AOS is a onerous trasaction while the very headache we also consider is IF we are not given an extension by the immigration there in the States? Everything we will be cancelled for this effect? That's only my opinion,KING!

suzanne4, RN · Jun 1, 2006

You never, ever want to file an extension if you are trying to get an AOS, worse possible thing that you can do. If it gets denied, you must leave the US, and you cannot appeal that decision.

Ethan_mike · Jun 2, 2006

well, i dont think an extension is necessary...Once the non-immigrant visa expires, USCIS cant legally deport the person (barring other circumstances like a record of illegal stay before) as long as I-140 and I-485 have already been filed and pending...they're put under a category called "pending permanent residents." Also, an I-765 employment authorization document will be needed to get work while the I-485(AOS) isnt done yet. Plus, I-131 Advance parole will permit you to travel outside the US if your nonimmigrant visa is expired. without the I-131, you cant get back in and abandon all hope of immigration as a nurse.

suzanne4, RN · Jun 4, 2006

There are many that overstay their visa, or get to the very end and have not even had the petition filed, that is what I am talking about. You would be surprised at the number of people that do that, and then try to hurry to get an extension filed.

Yes, once the petition is filed for the AOS, the tourist visa expiration dates no longer exist, and actually it doesn't exist. You cannot leave the US during that processing time for anything, or will need to start all over again.

You essnetially have no visa at that time. Kind of in limbo.