Is immigrant visa category IR1 any faster than IR5

[sreeleshk]

My father, and I are USC citizens. Father is retired possessing an OCI and is living with my mother in India, for over 30 years. As they do not travel often to America (did about 5 trips or so in the last 25 years). My mother was issued a B1/B2, which was used for these travels and it never really mattered to us to fine for a Immigrant Visa or to carry out an Adjustment of Status while they were here as that did not fit into their plan.

My mother's (who is 74) B2 visa expired in may 2024, which we did not notice. Due to certain changes in circumstances, we are considering immigration. Since My father and I are both USC, we can apply for IR1 (Spouse of a USC) or IR5 (Parent of a USC). Is IR1 any faster in processing than IR5. I have also read that IR5 may be easier and does not require as extensive of paperwork as needed in the case for IR1. Additionally my father is retired and he may not have sufficient income between his pension and Social Security to support (as required for Affidavit of Support). I have enough funds in the bank in deposits, and brokerage to demonstrate financial well being and enough to support.

Please advise the best approach (fastest and the one that the most chance on approval on the first interview itself, & least paperwork of the 2).
Please advise if she even though 74 may be eligible for a interview waiver, she is not in the best of health right now
How can I find the estimate of start to finish for the process, does the consulates that we chose make any difference in waiting and appointments. Can I choose any consulate in India (home country) or are we required to select the nearest one?

Thanking you in advance for your answers
God Bless!

 

[SusieQQQ]

So ,your other question about a b2 from Canada is not for you?

No difference in processing times between different IR applications. You are correct that there is less paperwork required for IR5, and that from your description the financial sponsorship side will be less complicated to show. Also, as your father is not currently resident in the US, there would be a further requirement for him to show that he intended to move back to the US. All in all it would seem IR5 is the best option in your circumstance.

No interview waivers for immigrant visas. (And the now rare non-immigrant waivers are for 80 years and older.)

Be aware that if your mom is in ill health they may require evidence of financial support beyond the usual minimum to allow for her medical expenses. This has been sporadically reported.

Processing time by USCIS for IR applications has averaged 14.5 months so far this FY. There are limited consulates that can interview for immigrant visas, and India is one of the few countries with more than one option - my understanding is that NVC assigns the location once the I130 is processed. There is no official website that shows waiting time for interviews per consulate once case complete at NVC but you can google as there are sometimes online discussions about wait times in various forums.