GC for minor sons

_florida$

New Member
I am GC holder since 2004. I would be eligible for US citizenship in 2009, ie. 5years after GC.
My two sons in India are aged 15 and 17. If I apply for GC for my sons, it could take 5-6 years, whereas if I naturalize in 2009 and then apply for their GC, it would take a year. I need to apply for their GCs sooner than later. I do not know whether to apply now as a GC holder, or wait till naturalization --- which is a better deal? Can I apply now as a GC holder, and then when I naturalize, can their BCIS petitions be suitably altered in order to expedite processing times?
Are they allowed to visit the US on a tourist visa when their GC petitions are in progress?
 
Apply now. Their categories will change when you become a US citizen. They will go from F2A to F1. Just make sure neither of them marries before you become a US citizen. If you citizenship is delayed, the elder son may move from F2A to F2B.
If you submit their I-130s, it will be nearly impossible for them to obtain visit visas due to 214(b).
 
Thanks a lot

Appreciate your genuine advise - thanks!
So, if I apply now as an LPR, and get their petitions "upgraded" upon naturalization, then can the elder son marry (after the upgrade) and will he not lose processing time? Also, what if he turns 21 years while the upgraded petition is in progress - I do not suppose that would push back the processing time, correct? Thanks in advance for your helpful responses.
 
How long it takes will depends on how much F2A, F2B, F1 and F3 are backlogged. The most important thing to remember is that neither of them should get married before you naturalise. If they do that, they will lose their original priority date.
 
How long it takes will depends on how much F2A, F2B, F1 and F3 are backlogged. The most important thing to remember is that neither of them should get married before you naturalise. If they do that, they will lose their original priority date.

If she becomes a naturalize citizen in 2009, then she can apply for both of them as immediate relatives, because they would not reach 21 by that time. But its better to file for them now as things can change thereby aging out the one who is 17 now. None of them should get married.......remember F1 and F2B is in limbo right now in congress......but if you should ask me, any bill that pass the house and senate will do away with both......ending chain migration.

And by the way, children of US citizens at most times get their greencards in nine months time.
 
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One more thing -- I am not sure that I am reading the Visa Bulletin correctly. Could you please interpret the June 2007 bulletin chart and advise as to approx how long would it take to get their GCs
(a) if I apply now as an LPR; and
(b) if I hypothetically became a US citizen today and applied right away.
Appreciate your kindness.
 
One more thing -- I am not sure that I am reading the Visa Bulletin correctly. Could you please interpret the June 2007 bulletin chart and advise as to approx how long would it take to get their GCs
(a) if I apply now as an LPR; and
(b) if I hypothetically became a US citizen today and applied right away.
Appreciate your kindness.
According to the current bulletin:
(a) F2A - 22APR02, so 5+ years
(b) there is no quota for children under 21 of a US citizen, it's just the processing time, which is usually up to a year
 
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