Question:
While my mother was a US resident (green card holder) in 1995, she filed for
a Green Card for myself, her son, I was then 19 years old. According to the
Visa bulletin, they are processing 1993 applications, so at a minimum I'm
looking at around another 2 years for my application to be finalized. Last
year, my mother filed for US citizenship, and is she due to have her
citizenship by the end of this year. When she gets her Citizenship, does my
application get instant priority or does she have to fill out particular
paperwork/forms in order to expedite my application? Do I get immediate
adjustement of Status once she gets her citizenship?
Answer:
I am not if any paperwork is needed to
change the priority when your mother becomes US Citizen. You might think of
talking to the service center or the
local offive where the application has been
filed. At least call the national support number 1-800-375-5283 to get a
confirmation.
One thing is very important in your case.
Since you are still under 21 and assuming you are not married, you will be
under no visa quota limitation. You can
apply for adjustment of status after approval
of your application as soon as your mother becomes US Citizen. You won't have
to
wait for any visa quota provided you are still
under 21. INS recommends when there
is an approaching 'age out' situation, i.e.,
you are approaching 21 fast and your case
hasn't been processed, you contact
INS immediately ( service center or local
office -- don't know exactly where ) with
a request for completion of processing
before you are 21. These cases are
handled with priority. Just be aware of
what you will have to do once your
mother becomes US Citizen, and
gather all information so you don't
waste any time at that point. Hope this
gives some perspective.
Your mother will need to notify the INS office where she filed the
application that she is now a citizen - she will have to provide proof of
her citizenship and your file number (perhaps she will need the G-14 form?).
You may want to call the 800 or better still have your mother inquire at the
local INS office for instructions.
If you are still unmarried you will move up to first priority. I believe
these dates are supposed to be current (or as close to current as the INS
gets), as soon as the INS processes your mother's notice, she would receive
a NOA that would allow you to begin the next set of paperwork for your
Adjustment of Status. How long until your AOS interview and Green Card will
depend on where you file.
